Are emergency department patients at risk for herb-drug interactions?

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of herbal and/or dietary supplement use and identify patients at risk for herb-drug interactions. A convenience sample of 944 patients were surveyed to determine the prevalence and types of supplements used. Patients with heart disease, diabetes, psychiatric disorders, and/or hypertension were assessed for potential interactions. One hundred thirty-five (14.3%) patients reported regular use. Of these, 79.3% were taking supplements concurrently with prescription medications, and 80.0% were administered medication(s) in the emergency department. Cardiac: 19.8% (n = 33) reported regular use, with four potential interactions. Hypertension: 20.3% (n = 54) reported regular use, with two potential interactions. Diabetes: 15.9% (n = 20) reported regular use, with no known interactions. Psychiatric: 15.9% (n = 10) reported regular use, with one potential interaction. Six patients were identified at risk for seven known herb-drug interactions. The prevalence of undisclosed herbal supplement use and lack of research on these supplements suggest that more patients may be at risk.