Interaction between St John's wort and tacrolimus highlighted
St John's wort may interact with tacrolimus and could potentially lead to solid organ transplantation rejection and graft loss, according to new research.
Researchers monitored the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus when taken with
St John’s wort and found that the herbal medicine, which is used
for depression, induces tacrolimus metabolism. Depression is reported
in approximately one-third of patients following organ transplantation
and, since St John’s wort is available over the counter, the authors
conclude that patient education about potential interactions is essential.
The authors note that levels of the components of St John’s wort
vary between different preparations. The study is published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2004;44:89).
Theophylline and St John’s wort Researchers studying the
effect of St John’s wort on theophylline reported no significant
changes in the pharmacokinetics of theophylline in plasma after 15
days’ treatment with the herbal medicine (ibid, p95).
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