Aloe barbadensis
Scientific Name: Aloe
Other Names: Aloe species, Aloe vera, Burn Plant, Cape Aloe
What interactions should I watch for?
Prescription Drugs
Both corticosteroid drugs and aloe juice may promote the loss of potassium from the body. It is best not to take aloe juice and corticosteroids at the same time. Corticosteroids are used for a wide range of inflammatory conditions including arthritis, asthma, cancer, eye conditions, and skin infections.
Commonly prescribed corticosteroids include:
- beclomethasone
- dexamethasone (Decadron)
- hydrocortisone
- methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- prednisolone
- prednisone
- triamcinolone
Possible potassium deficiency caused by taking aloe juice may increase the risk of side effects from the heart drug, digoxin. Digoxin's side effects may include changes in vision, drowsiness, heart rhythm changes, nausea, and vomiting.
Diuretics ("water pills") such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, may promote the loss of potassium from the body. Since aloe juice also may lead to potassium loss, the levels of potassium in the blood may become too low if aloe juice is taken at the same time as a water pill. Low blood potassium is called hypokalemia. Symptoms of hypokalemia can include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Respiratory failure
- Cardiac arrest
Aloe juice shortens the time that intestinal contents stay in the body. In theory, the effects of other drugs that are absorbed in the intestines may be reduced.
Non-prescription Drugs
Taking aloe juice at the same time as another commercial laxative, such as bisacodyl or docusate, may increase not only laxative effects but also the risk of potassium loss from the body. In general, aloe juice is not recommended for use as a laxative. It should not be taken at the same time as another laxative.
Reportedly, blood levels of vitamins C and E are increased when aloe gel is taken at the same time.
Herbal Products
If aloe juice is taken at the same time as other herbs that also affect the heart, potentially dangerous changes in heart function may result. Some herbal products with heart effects are:
- Cascara
- Rhamnus cathartica
- Rhamnus frangula
- Rhamnus purshiana
- Senna
- Yellow dock
Aloe juice possibly could increase the laxative effects of other herbal laxatives including:
- Alder Buckthorn
- Cascara
- Castor Oil
- Senna
- Yellow Dock
Both aloe juice and extremely large amounts of true licorice (not licorice flavoring) can promote the loss of potassium from the body, potentially causing muscle weakness and changes in heart rhythm. The amounts of licorice ordinarily consumed as candy are not thought to be large enough to present a problem.
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how aloe interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
|
What interactions should I watch for?
