Fever Bark - Pondimin (Fenfluramine) Interaction
Herbal: Fever Bark
Also Known As: Alstonia constricta, Alstonia Bark, Australian Febrifuge, Australian Fever Bush, Australian Quinine, Bitterbark, Corteza de Alstonia, Devil Tree, Devil's Bit, Dita Bark, Écorce Amère d'Australie, Écorce de Quinquina, Écorce de Quinquina d'Australie
Drug: Fenfluramine
Brand names:
Pondimin
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Fenfluramine is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Theoretically, fever bark might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that yohimbine, a constituent of fever bark, inhibits CYP2D6 enzyme activity. The effects of fever bark itself are unclear.
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
- VandenBrink, B. M., Foti, R. S., Rock, D. A., Wienkers, L. C., and Wahlstrom, J. L. Prediction of CYP2D6 drug interactions from in vitro data: evidence for substrate-dependent inhibition. Drug Metab Dispos. 2012;40(1):47-53.
Fever Bark Overview
Fever bark is the bark of the evergreen tree Alstonia constricta. The tree is native to tropical regions of Asia and is known for its tall, straight trunk and glossy, dark green leaves.
Alstonia constricta is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and infections. The bark of the tree contains several different alkaloids, including reserpine and yohimbine, which could cause serious side effects if misused. Unless you are under the direct supervision of a medical professional, the use of fever bark is not recommended.
Fever bark is sometimes referred to as Australian quinine, but it is not known to contain quinine.
Fenfluramine Overview
-
Fenfluramine is used to control seizures in children from 2 years of age and older with Dravet syndrome (a disorder that begins in early childhood and causes seizures and later may lead to developmental delays and changes in eating, balance, and walking) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) (a disorder that causes seizures and developmental delays). Fenfluramine is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It is not known exactly how fenfluramine works, but it increases the amount of natural substances in the brain that may reduce seizure activity.
Fever Bark - More Interactions
Fever Bark interacts with 785 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