Clubmoss - Imodium (Loperamide) Interaction
Herbal: Clubmoss
Also Known As: Lycopodium clavatum, Club Moss, Common Clubmoss, Common Club Moss, Lycopode, Lycopode en Massue, Licopodio, Lycopodium, Running Clubmoss, Running Pine, Shen Jin Cao, Stags Horn, Vegetable Sulfur, Witch Meal, Wolfs Claw
Drug: Loperamide
Brand names:
Imodium, Loperamide
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Loperamide is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticholinergic Drugs
Evidence from in vitro research suggests that clubmoss extract can inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. Theoretically, concurrent use of anticholinergic drugs and clubmoss might decrease the effectiveness of club moss or the anticholinergic agent. Some anticholinergic drugs include atropine, benztropine (Cogentin), biperiden (Akineton), procyclidine (Kemadrin), and trihexyphenidyl (Artane).
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
- Orhan, I., Terzioglu, S., and Sener, B. Alpha-onocerin: an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from Lycopodium clavatum. Planta Med. 2003;69(3):265-267.
Clubmoss Overview
Clubmoss, also known as lycopodium, is a plant that belongs to the Lycopodiaceae family. Clubmosses are native to many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia, and are known for their small, fern-like leaves and spore-producing structures.
Clubmoss, both the plant and spores, has a long history of use in traditional medicine and herbal remedies. The plant is believed to have a number of medicinal properties and is used to treat a variety of conditions, including bladder and kidney disorders, respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin irritation. Some studies suggest it may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Clubmoss needs to be used cautiously as it contains potentially toxic alkaloids, including lycopodine, dihydrolycopodine, and traces of nicotine.
Loperamide Overview
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Nonprescription (over-the-counter) loperamide is used to control acute diarrhea (loose stools that come on suddenly and usually lasts less than 2 weeks), including travelers' diarrhea. Prescription loperamide is also used to control acute diarrhea and also ongoing diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; condition in which the lining of all or part of the intestine is swollen, irritated, or has sores). Prescription loperamide is also used to reduce the amount of fluid in people with ileostomies (surgery to create an opening for waste to leave the body through the abdomen). Loperamide is in a class of medications called antidiarrheal agents. It works by decreasing the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel and by slowing down the movement of the bowel to decrease the number of bowel movements.
Clubmoss - More Interactions
Clubmoss interacts with 216 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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