Astragalus Drug Interactions

Immune-suppressing medications and lithium products can potentially cause drug interactions with astragalus. Because astragalus may stimulate the immune system, it might interfere with immunosuppressants. It could also increase lithium levels in the blood, possibly increasing the risk of lithium toxicity. To help prevent these potential interactions, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before using astragalus if you are taking immunosuppressants or lithium.

Astragalus Interactions: An Overview

Even though it is a natural product, astragalus can potentially interact with a few different medications. Some of the medicines that could theoretically lead to astragalus drug interactions include:
 
  • Immunosuppressants, such as:
 
    • Certain monoclonal antibodies, such as:
    • Corticosteroids, such as:
      • Betamethasone (Celestone®)
      • Cortisone
      • Dexamethasone (Decadron®)
      • Fludrocortisone (Florinef®)
      • Hydrocortisone (Cortef®)
      • Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol®, Medrol®)
      • Prednisolone (Pediapred®)
      • Prednisone
      • Triamcinolone (Kenalog®)
    • Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®)
    • Cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®)
    • Etanercept (Enbrel®)
    • Methotrexate (Rheumatrex®)
    • Mycophenolate (CellCept®)
    • Sirolimus (Rapamune®)
    • Tacrolimus (Prograf®)
 
(Astragalus Drug Interactions Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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