Calamus - Topotecan Interaction
Herbal: Calamus
Also Known As: Acorus calamus, Acore Calame, Acore Odorant, Acore Olorant, Acore Roseau, Acorus Roseau, Aruna, Bach, Bajai, Baje, Belle-Angélique, Bhutanashini, Cálamo, Calamo Aromatic, Calamus Root, Cinnamon Sedge, Flag Root, Flagroot, Gladdon, Golomi, Grass-Leaf Sweetflag, Grass Myrtle, Ka
Drug: Topotecan
Brand names:
Hycamtin
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 26, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Topotecan and Calamus. 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.
Calamus Overview
Calamus is a grass-like plant commonly mostly commonly found in Eastern Europe in swamps or along the banks of waterways. Calamus has traditionally been used in both Ayurdevic and Chinese medicine for a number of ailments, including digestive disorders including colic, ulcers, gastritis, flatulence, diarrhea, intestinal infections, dyspepsia, and anorexia. It is also used to induce vomiting, induce sweating, improve memory and for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. The FDA does not allow calamus in food due research showing it has carcinogenic effects, likely due to the beta-asarone content, which can vary heavily depending on the species.
Topotecan Overview
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Topotecan is used to treat small cell lung cancer (a type of cancer that begins in the lungs) that was successfully treated with a different chemotherapy medication but has returned no sooner than 45 days after the last dose of the first chemotherapy medication was taken. Topotecan is in a class of medications called topoisomerase I inhibitors. It works by killing cancer cells.
Calamus - More Interactions
Calamus interacts with 1091 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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