Spearmint - Floxin (Ofloxacin) Interaction
Herbal: Spearmint
Also Known As: Mentha spicata, Curled Mint, Fish Mint, Garden Mint, Green Mint, Hierbabuena, Lamb Mint, Mackerel Mint, Menthe Douce, Menthe à Épis, Menthe des Jardins, Oil of Spearmint, Our Lady's Mint, Pahari Pudina, Putiha, Sage of Bethlehem, Spire Mint, Yerba Buena, Yerbabuena
Drug: Ofloxacin
Brand names:
Oflox, Floxin, Floxin Injection, Floxin Otic
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Ofloxacin is classified as belonging to the following category: Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, high doses of spearmint might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Animal research suggests that drinking spearmint tea for 30 days can increase markers of liver damage, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and cause liver degeneration and necrosis, in a dose-dependent manner. This effect has not been reported in humans.
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
- Akdogan M, Ozguner M, Aydin G, Gokalp O. Investigation of biochemical and histopathological effects of Mentha piperita Labiatae and Mentha spicata Labiatae on liver tissue in rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2004;23:21-8.
Spearmint Overview
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to Europe and Asia. It is known for its minty aroma and flavor and is commonly used in cosmetics, cooking, and herbal remedies.
Spearmint has been used traditionally in herbal medicine to treat a number of conditions, including digestive problems, nausea, and skin conditions. It is purported to have a number of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and relieving stress and anxiety.
When used as a dietary supplement, spearmint is often standardized based on the rosmarinic acid content.
Ofloxacin Overview
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Ofloxacin is used to treat certain infections including pneumonia, and infections of the skin, bladder, reproductive organs, and prostate (a male reproductive gland). Ofloxacin may also be used to treat bronchitis and urinary tract infections but should not be used for bronchitis and some types of urinary tract infections if other treatments are available. Ofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections.
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Antibiotics such as ofloxacin 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.
Spearmint - More Interactions
Spearmint interacts with 551 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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