Oregano - Zetia (Ezetimibe) Interaction

Interaction Details

Pharmacist Analysis

Oregano (and oregano oil) supplements are generally considered safe and there is no indication that there is an interaction between the drug highlighted in this interaction monograph and oregano.

However, as with all supplements, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting anything new, so you can be appropriately monitored.

In terms of drug interactions that have been reported with oregano, below are some examples.

Anticoagulant; Antiplatelet Drugs

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs work by slowing down or preventing blood clotting. While they are essential medications for individuals with certain conditions, they come with an increased risk of bleeding.

Some studies have reported that oregano oil may also increase the risk of bleeding, as it contains compounds that have antithrombin activity and can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Therefore, taking oregano oil along with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs may increase the risk of bleeding, bruising, and other adverse effects.

Anti-Diabetic Drugs

Several studies suggest that oregano supplements may help lower blood glucose (i.e., sugar) levels. In vitro and animal research has shown that oregano extracts might stimulate glucose uptake and reduce blood glucose levels.

Therefore, based on the available evidence, combining oregano oil with antidiabetic drugs could potentially cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to hypoglycemia.

However, it is important to note that studies reporting that oregano can reduce blood glucose levels have not reported it causing hypoglycemia.

References

• Anti-hyperglycaemic activity of the aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare growing wild in Tafilalet region. PubMed
• Inhibitory effect of clonal oregano extracts against porcine pancreatic amylase in vitro. PubMed
• Antithrombin activity of some constituents from Origanum vulgare. PubMed
• Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. PubMed

Ezetimibe Overview

• Ezetimibe is used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight-loss, exercise) to reduce the amount of cholesterol (a fat-like substance) and other fatty substances in the blood. It may be used alone or in combination with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin). Ezetimibe is in a class of medications called cholesterol-lowering medications. It works by preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.

• Buildup of cholesterol and fats along the walls of the blood vessels (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow, which decreases the oxygen supply to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. Lowering blood levels of cholesterol and fats may help reduce this buildup and may decrease your chances of developing heart conditions such as angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. Results of a clinical study that compared people who took ezetimibe and simvastatin with people who took simvastatin alone found that although the group of people taking ezetimibe and simvastatin had lower amounts of cholesterol in the blood, there was no difference between the two groups in the amount of cholesterol and fat buildup on the insides of the blood vessels in the neck. It is not currently understood why the additional lowering of cholesterol levels in the blood did not lead to a greater decrease in cholesterol and fat buildup along the walls of the blood vessels in people taking ezetimibe and simvastatin. Further studies are underway to compare treatment with ezetimibe and simvastatin to treatment with simvastatin alone to see if there is a difference in the risk of developing heart disease. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the risks and benefits of treating increased amounts of cholesterol in your blood with ezetimibe and other medications.

• In addition to taking a cholesterol-lowering medication, making certain changes in your daily habits can also lower your blood cholesterol levels. You should eat a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol (see SPECIAL DIETARY); exercise 30 minutes on most, if not all, days; and lose weight if you are overweight.

Oregano - More Interactions

Oregano interacts with 202 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.