Chapter 14: Alternative Medications

Clinical effects of these herbs are not based on evidence in all cases.

Because herbal medications are not regulated by the FDA, their presence on the USMLE is negligible; however, they might be covered in a pharmacology course.

• Topical treatment of burns and other inflammatory conditions of the skin

• Topical treatment of inflammatory conditions of the skin (ie, psorasis & eczema)

• Skin rash or irritation

• Topical use only recommended

• Oral form associated with renal failure, GI cancer and possibly fatal in high doses

• Multiple drug interactions with oral form

• Gastroprotective agent against mucosal injury caused by aspirin

• Topical treatment of pain associated with neuralgia, RA, and OA

• Stinging or burning at application site

• Hypercoagulation

• Hypersensitivity reactions

• Avoid contact with eyes or genitalia

• Decreases bioavailability of aspirin and salicylic acid

• Limit use to 2 days every 2 weeks

• Treatment of constipation

• Arrhythmias

• Neuropathies

• Thiazide diuretics, antiarrhythmics, cardiac glycosides, and indomethacin

• Bowel obstruction, IBD, or abdominal pain of unknown origin

• Treatment of OA

• Intravesicular administration may relieve symptoms of interstital cystitis

• May worsen asthma symptoms

• May increase INR in patients on Coumadin

• Prevention and treatment of UTIs

• Increases urinary oxalate excretion and the risk of oxalate stones

• Increases bleeding risks in patients on anticoagulants

• Decreases duration and intensity of cold symptoms via anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating mechanisms

• Treatment of UTIs

• Treatment of wounds and burns

• Dizziness

• GI upset

• Headache

• Unpleasant taste

• Immunosuppressant medications

• Immunodeficiency syndromes, autoimmune disorders, or TB

• Should not be taken for more than 8 weeks

• Decreases frequency and severity of migraine headaches

• Allergic dermatitis

• GI upset

• Rebound headaches

• Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs

• May inhibit platelet aggregation

• Treatment of hyperlipidemia

• Treatment of arteriosclerosis

• Treatment of hypertension

• Allergic reactions

• Fatigue

• GI upset

• Headache

• Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs

• May inhibit platelet aggregation

• Treatment of nausea and vomiting (eg, pregnancy, motion sickness)

• Stomach cramps

• Neurological (HA, irritation, dizziness)

• Reproductive (decreased sperm count, decreased libido, gynecomastia in men)

• Increases bleeding risks in patients on ...