Alpine Ragwort - Provigil (Modafinil) Interaction
Herbal: Alpine Ragwort
Also Known As: Senecio nemorensis, Ragwort, Senecio Herb
Drug: Modafinil
Brand names:
Provigil, Sparlon, Alertec
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Modafinil is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Inducers
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are substrates of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Theoretically, drugs that induce CYP3A4 might increase the conversion of PAs to toxic metabolites. Some drugs that induce CYP3A4 include carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin, rifabutin (Mycobutin), and others.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
- Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Toxicol Lett 2005;155:411-20.
Alpine Ragwort Overview
Senecio nemorensis, commonly known as wood ragwort, alpine ragwort or mountain groundsel, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia. This species is characterized by its erect stems, which can grow up to 50 centimeters tall, and its bright yellow composite flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Wood ragwort is known for its toxicity, containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be harmful to livestock and humans if ingested. PAs, particularly unsaturated ones like retrorsine and senecionine, are the most hepatotoxic, causing liver damage through mechanisms involving oxidative stress. Those looking to take dietary supplements containing Senecio nemorensis should be advised against using preparations that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free.
Modafinil Overview
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Modafinil is used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy (a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness) or shift work sleep disorder (sleepiness during scheduled waking hours and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during scheduled sleeping hours in people who work at night or on rotating shifts). Modafinil is also used along with breathing devices or other treatments to prevent excessive sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS; a sleep disorder in which the patient briefly stops breathing or breathes shallowly many times during sleep and therefore doesn't get enough restful sleep). Modafinil is in a class of medications called wakefulness promoting agents. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the area of the brain that controls sleep and wakefulness.
Alpine Ragwort - More Interactions
Alpine Ragwort interacts with 84 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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