Comfrey - Doxycycline Interaction
Herbal: Comfrey
Also Known As: Symphytum officinale, Ass Ear, Beinwellwurzel, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common Comfrey, Consolidae Radix, Consoude, Consoude Officinale, Consound, Consuelda, Grande Consoude, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Herbe aux Charpentiers, Herbe à la Coupure, Knitback
Drug: Doxycycline
Brand names:
Vibra-Tabs, Vibramycin, Doryx, Monodox, Doxycin, Doxy, Doxylin, Doxy-D, Periostat, Doxycycline Injection, Oracea, Xyrosa
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 26, 2024
Interaction Details
Doxycycline is classified as belonging to the following category: Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, comfrey might have additive adverse effects on the liver when used with hepatotoxic drugs.
Due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid constituents, comfrey can cause hepatotoxic effects, including ascites, cirrhosis, hepatic fibrosis, hepatomegaly, and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome.
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
- Food and Drug Administration. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. July 6, 2001. Available at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html.
- Stickel F, Seitz HK. The efficacy and safety of comfrey. Public Health Nutr 2000;3:501-8.
Comfrey Overview
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae). It is native to Europe and Asia and is known for its hairy, green leaves and small, purple, bell-shaped flowers.
Comfrey has a long history of use in traditional medicine and contains a number of active compounds, including allantoin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, fractures, and skin conditions. In addition, comfrey is believed to have astringent and expectorant effects, and has been used to treat respiratory disorders and coughs. It is important to note that comfrey may cause liver damage if taken in large amounts (orally) or over a long period of time and should be used with caution. The FDA has recommended removal of oral comfrey products from the market due to potential for liver toxicity although it is currently still available. It is most often seen in topical forms (e.g., as an ointment).
Doxycycline Overview
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Doxycycline is used to treat a variety of infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Doxycycline is also used to treat or prevent anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack) in people who may have been exposed to anthrax in the air and to treat plague and tuleramia (serious infections that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack). It is also used to prevent malaria. Doxycycline is also used along with other medications to treat acne and rosacea (a skin disease that causes redness, flushing, and pimples on the face). Doxycycline (Oracea) is used only to treat pimples and bumps caused by rosacea. Doxycycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works to treat infections by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. It works to treat acne by killing the bacteria that infects pores and decreasing a certain natural oily substance that causes acne. It works to treat rosacea by decreasing the inflammation that causes this condition.
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Antibiotics such as doxycycline will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Comfrey - More Interactions
Comfrey interacts with 409 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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