Test Your Knowledge

Patients taking echinacea are urged to discuss this and any other supplement or herb use with their physicians. Few studies have been conducted on the potential interactions between herbs such as echinacea and medications, supplements or other herbs. In rare cases, echinacea has been linked with liver inflammation (hepatitis). As a result, patients taking certain medications are advised to avoid taking echinacea. These include the following:

• Acetaminophen (over-the-counter pain relief medication)
• Amiodarone (heart medication)
• Anabolic steroids (drugs that promote muscle growth)
• Methotrexate (cancer drug)
• Oral antifungal medications

Because echinacea is thought to stimulate the immune system, it is not likely to be a good choice for people who take drugs designed to suppress the immune system. Such drugs may include azathioprine, cyclosporine and corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone).

Some studies have indicated that echinacea may increase the rate at which the liver metabolizes many drugs, causing the medications to move through the body too quickly. This can make the drugs less effective.