American Mistletoe - Thorazine (Chlorpromazine) Interaction
Herbal: American Mistletoe
Also Known As: Phoradendron leucarpum, Eastern Mistletoe
Drug: Chlorpromazine
Brand names:
Thorazine, Thorazine Spansules
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 13, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Chlorpromazine and American Mistletoe. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
American Mistletoe Overview
American mistletoe, scientifically known as Phoradendron leucarpum, is a parasitic plant found in the eastern United States and Mexico. It grows on hardwood trees like oaks and hickories. Although it has been used in traditional Native American medicine, there isn't strong scientific evidence for its effectiveness.
American mistletoe contains phoratoxin, a compound that can be toxic. This toxin induces smooth muscle contraction, leading to increased uterine and intestinal motility, which can result in gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, it can cause vasoconstriction, leading to changes in blood pressure and heart rate, similar to the effects of cardiotoxins found in cobra venom.
Most case reports documenting ingestion suggest that eating up to 20 berries or 5 leaves is unlikely to cause serious harm, but there are reports of fatalities from cardiovascular collapse after drinking tea made from an unspecified amount of berries.
It's important to note that American mistletoe is different from European mistletoe, which is more commonly used in dietary supplements.
Chlorpromazine Overview
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Chlorpromazine is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions) and other psychotic disorders (conditions that cause difficulty telling the difference between things or ideas that are real and things or ideas that are not real) and to treat the symptoms of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood) in people who have bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder; a condition that causes episodes of mania, episodes of depression, and other abnormal moods). Chlorpromazine is also used to treat severe behavior problems such as explosive, aggressive behavior and hyperactivity in children 1 to 12 years of age. Chlorpromazine is also used to control nausea and vomiting, to relieve hiccups that have lasted one month or longer, and to relieve restlessness and nervousness that may occur just before surgery. Chlorpromazine is also used to treat acute intermittent porphyria (condition in which certain natural substances build up in the body and cause stomach pain, changes in thinking and behavior, and other symptoms). Chlorpromazine is also used along with other medications to treat tetanus (a serious infection that may cause tightening of the muscles, especially the jaw muscle). Chlorpromazine is in a class of medications called conventional antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain and other parts of the body.
American Mistletoe - More Interactions
American Mistletoe interacts with 187 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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