Does Echinacea interact with any drugs?

Over 400 drug interactions have been reported with echinacea, but most are not considered serious. Echinacea can affect blood levels of certain drugs, which may lead to side effects. Have your doctor or pharmacist check for drug interactions with any herbal supplement you take.

Current evidence indicates that the risk of drug interactions between Echinacea supplements and most medications is low, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). It is thought to stimulate the immune system to help fight infections like a cold, although not all studies support this use.

Echinacea, when combined with these medicines, may lead to certain drug interactions and side effects:

• Zanaflex (tizanidine), a skeletal muscle relaxant - May cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up; may also cause drowsiness, fainting, and irregular heart rhythm.
• Azilect (rasagiline), used in Parkinson's disease - May lead to drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, blood pressure changes, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, and compulsive behaviors.
• Caffeine, a stimulant, found in coffee, tea and certain medicines - Echinacea can slow the breakdown (metabolism) of caffeine in your body, which could lead to side effects like jitteriness, headache, or trouble sleeping.

Echinacea may also change how the body metabolizes (breaks down) many drugs that go through the liver. These are somewhat complicated interactions that can lead to side effects or reduced effectiveness of your medicine, so always check with your pharmacist or doctor for any possible drug interactions with herbal supplements.

Do not take echinacea without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat:

• any type of infection
• anxiety
• asthma
• allergy
• any type of cancer
• depression or other mental health disorders
• erectile dysfunction
• heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other heart conditions
• migraine headaches
• psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders
• seizures.

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What are other names for Echinacea?

Echinacea is also known as the American Cone Flower, Black Susan, or Purple Coneflower is part of the daisy family. Echinacea has been promoted to stimulate the immune system, and is most commonly used in the treatment of the common cold.

It can be bought as an herbal supplement at pharmacies and other retail stores in the U.S. For most adults, short-term oral (by mouth) use of echinacea is probably safe; the safety of long-term use is uncertain.

This not a complete list of all drug interactions with Echinacea.

Learn More: Echinacea Drug Interactions (in more detail)

This is not all the information you need to know about Echinacea for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.