10 drugs that you should avoid mixing with turmeric

Turmeric is a spice containing curcumin, which can have antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory potential. Experts warn that he can interact with certain drugs, especially when taken in large quantities.

1. Aspirin

Aspirin reduces the bustle of platelets, which decreases the formation of blood clots responsible for heart attacks and strokes, said Maria Pino, Ph.D., associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and Approved Pharacist.

In certain preclinical studies, turmeric has been observed has aspirin effects as an anti-inflammatory and antiplateletic drug. Combining them can therefore lead to an increased chance of external and internal bleeding, explained Pino, which can be dangerous.

Other antiplatelet drugs, such as clopidogrel, and anticoagulants, such as warfarin and rivaroxaban, which are often used to reduce the risk of stroke by atrial fibrillation, have also shown a similar risk of bleeding when combined with turmeric.

2. Insulin and Glipizid

These drugs are used to reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. Research has shown that turmeric can increase the regulation of proteins involved in insulin release, Potentially resulting in a drop in blood sugar.

“Curcuma can potentially help lower blood sugar, which could lead to hypoglycemia if it is combined with prescription diabetes drugs,” said Marissa Mauricio, Pharmd, a specialist in clinical pharmacy at Baptist Health South Florida.

This can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, stunning, perspiration, heart palpitations and confusion. In more serious cases, said Mauricio. Hypoglycemia can cause loss of consciousness, convulsions or coma.

3. AMLODIPINE

Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure by blocking the entry of calcium into the blood vessels, which expands them and reduces blood pressure.

An animal study revealed that absorption of amlodipine increased when combined with turmeric.

“Higher levels of amlodipine in the body could lead to a decrease in blood pressure and a greater risk of dizziness, the possibility of falls being a concern for elderly patients,” said Pino.

4. TACROLIMUS

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant medication which is used to prevent organ rejection after an organ transplant. However, this can also reduce renal function.

In a case report, a patient experienced an aggravation of the kidney function following a recent contribution to a high dose of turmeric with his meals. Animal studies data have also found a change in drug metabolism with turmeric.

“This is probably attributed to turmeric preventing the tacrolimus rupture in the liver, leading to higher immunosuppressants levels,” said Pino.

5. Chemotherapy drugs

Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells in various ways. A study using cancer cells in human breast as an experimental model revealed that turmeric could reduce the effectiveness of these chemotherapeutic agents.

However, Pino has said that additional studies are necessary to confirm whether food and supplemented turmeric should be avoided during cancer treatment, as turmeric also has potential anti-cancer effects.

6. Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen is an estrogen modulator used to manage breast cancer.

In a study, the tamoxifen combined with turmeric has increased to increase the hepatic metabolism of the medication against breast cancer, lowering the effectiveness of the drug. But Pino said that other studies are necessary to include a larger population of patients and to understand if this effect is specific to the patient.

7. Losartan

This medication lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and blocking a hormone that increases sodium and water retention.

Research has shown that turmeric can reduce the liver’s ability to break the medication, leading to higher drug levels in the body. This can increase the risk of dizziness, cause a change in heart rate and cause muscle cramps.

8. Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine is a hormonal replacement for patients with an under-active thyroid function, also called hypothyroidism.

“For the highest absorption potential, levothyroxine must be taken on an empty stomach, before your morning meal and several hours from other drugs or supplements, including turmeric,” said Pino.

9. Antacids

These drugs neutralize gastric acid and help manage indigestion and ulcers.

Although turmeric has anti-inflammatory potential in gastrointestinal tract, curcumin can also stimulate the production of gastric acid.

“This effect could potentially reduce the effectiveness of antacid drugs and worsen conditions such as acid reflux,” said Mauricio.

10. METREXATE

This medication interferes with the production of Folat, which is necessary for cell survival. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and cancer.

Because it is metabolized in the liver, other drugs or supplements (including turmeric), which reduce the rupture of methotrexate, can potentially increase its negative effects, including a greater risk of infections, said Pino.

Other things to consider

It is important to note that cooking with turmeric in regular doses is generally considered to be sheltered from drug interactions. Supplements also have a greater risk of drug interactions because they are not regulated by the FDA.

“The form and dose of turmeric can make a big difference on the impact,” said Mauricio.

“Large dose turmeric supplements, especially those that include black pepper extract to increase absorption, are more likely to cause interactions with medication because the body absorbs it to a higher level,” she added.