Arsenic - Mifepristone Interaction
Herbal: Arsenic
Drug: Mifepristone
Brand names:
Mifeprex, Korlym
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Mifepristone is classified as belonging to the following category: Qt Interval-Prolonging Drugs
Arsenic trioxide can prolong the QT interval.
Up to 40% of patients treated with prescription arsenic trioxide have a prolonged QT interval on their electrocardiogram (ECG). Theoretically, non-prescription arsenic could have an additive effect when combined with drugs that prolong the QT interval.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
References
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
Arsenic Overview
Arsenic is a trace element naturally present in the diet, with organic forms being generally non-toxic in low amounts, while inorganic forms can be harmful. It is found in foods such as seafood, poultry, grains (especially rice), bread, cereal products, mushrooms, and dairy. The estimated daily intake of organic arsenic is 12-50 mcg, with a suggested requirement of 12-25 mcg daily, while inorganic arsenic intake is estimated at 3.5-10 mcg daily. Arsenic plays a potential role in metabolism, the recycling of methionine, taurine function, and the regulation of gene expression in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, arsenic has been used to treat various inflammatory disorders, but it is generally only found in homeopathic preparations.
Mifepristone Overview
-
Mifepristone (Korlym) is used to treat hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in people with a certain type of Cushing's syndrome in which the body makes too much cortisol (a hormone) and who have failed surgery or cannot have surgery to treat this condition. Mifepristone is in a class of medications called cortisol receptor blockers. It works by blocking the activity of cortisol.
-
Mifepristone is also available as another product (Mifeprex) that is used alone or in combination with another medication to end an early pregnancy. This monograph only gives information about mifepristone (Korlym) used to control hyperglycemia in people with a certain type of Cushing's syndrome. If you are using mifepristone to terminate a pregnancy, read the monograph entitled mifepristone (Mifeprex), which has been written about this product.
Arsenic - More Interactions
Arsenic interacts with 157 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. |
Return to the main herbal interaction checker page
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.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
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!
Ask A Pharmacist