Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
Avoid:Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.
High-potassium foods
Pleurisy root
Potassium supplements
Depletion or interference
None known
Side effect reduction/prevention
None known
Supportive interaction
None known
Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability
None known
Interactions common to many, if not all,
Beta-Adrenergic Blockers are described in this article. Interactions reported for only one or
several drugs in this class may not be listed in this article. Some drugs listed in this
article are linked to articles specific to that respective drug; please refer to those
individual drug articles. The information in this article may not necessarily apply to drugs
in this class for which no separate article exists. If you are taking a Beta-Adrenergic
Blocker for which no separate article exists, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions that are common to all beta-adrenergic blockers are described below. For
interactions involving a specific beta-adrenergic blocker, refer to the highlighted drugs
listed below.
Potassium
Some beta-adrenergic blockers (called “nonselective” beta blockers) decrease the
uptake of potassium from the blood into the cells,1 leading to excess potassium in
the blood, a potentially dangerous condition known as hyperkalemia.2 People taking
beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities
of fruit (e.g., bananas), unless directed to do so by their
doctor.
Interactions with Herbs
Pleurisy root
As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides,
it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as
beta-blockers.3
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Rosa RM, Silva P, Young JB, et al. Adrenergic modulation of extrarenal
potassium disposal. N Engl J Med 1980;302:431–4.
2. Lundborg P. The effect of adrenergic blockade on potassium
concentrations in different conditions. Acta Med Scand Suppl 1983;672:121–6
[review].
3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide
for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2009.
