Rhubarb - Reserpine, Trichlormethiazide Interaction

Interaction Details

Reserpine, Trichlormethiazide is classified as belonging to the following category: Nephrotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, long-term use of anthraquinones from rhubarb might increase the risk of nephrotoxicity when used with nephrotoxic drugs.
The anthraquinone constituents of rhubarb have been shown to induce nephrotoxicity in animal research. Additionally, in a case report, a 23-year old female presented with kidney failure after taking 6 tablets of a proprietary slimming agent (found to contain the anthraquinones emodin and aloe-emodin from rhubarb) daily for 6 weeks and then adding diclofenac 25 mg 4 times daily for 2 days. The authors postulate that the anthraquinone constituents of rhubarb contributed to the renal dysfunction, and the addition of diclofenac, a nephrotoxic drug, led to renal failure. Until more is known, advise patients to avoid taking rhubarb if they are taking other potentially nephrotoxic drugs.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction 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

• Kwan TH, Tong MK, Leung KT, et al. Acute renal failure associated with prolonged intake of slimming pills containing anthraquinones. Hong Kong Med J 2006;12:394-7.
• Yan, M., Zhang, L. Y., Sun, L. X., Jiang, Z. Z., and Xiao, X. H. Nephrotoxicity study of total rhubarb anthraquinones on Sprague Dawley rats using DNA microarrays. J Ethnopharmacol. 4-15-2006;

Interaction Details

Reserpine, Trichlormethiazide is classified as belonging to the following category: Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, frequent and high doses of rhubarb might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might cause potassium depletion and compound diuretic-induced potassium loss.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction 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

• McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
• Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Rhubarb - More Interactions

Rhubarb interacts with 630 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.