Albendazole with Ginseng, Chinese Interaction Details

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Feb 26, 2024
Interaction Effect
Reduced intestinal concentration of active drug
Interaction Summary
Panax ginseng significantly accelerated the intestinal clearance of albendazole sulfoxide (the active metabolite of albendazole) when co-administered to rats. The plasma area under the concentration-time curve for albendazole sulfoxide was unchanged, as was the intestinal elimination of the inactive metabolite albendazole sulfone[1].
Severity
Moderate
Onset
Unspecified
Evidence
Theoretical
How To Manage Interaction
Monitor therapeutic effectiveness of albendazole.
Mechanism Of Interaction
Increased albendazole metabolism
Literature Reports
A) Panax ginseng significantly accelerated the intestinal clearance of the active metabolite albendazole sulfoxide, when coadministered to rats. In a controlled study, male Wistar rats (n=12) were parenterally administered either a single dose alone of albendazole sulfoxide 10 milligrams/kilogram (mg/kg; the active metabolite of albendazole) or albendazole sulfoxide given 5 minutes after a single dose of ginseng extract 10 milligrams/kilogram. Blood and intestinal efflux was sampled over the next 60 minutes. Compared with controls, the coadministration of ginseng with albendazole increased by approximately 24% the intestinal clearance of albendazole sulfoxide (p less than 0.05). Neither the plasma area under the concentration-time curve for albendazole sulfoxide nor the intestinal elimination of the inactive metabolite albendazole sulfone were changed by the presence of ginseng [1].
References
1 ) Merino G, Molina AJ, Garcia JL, et al: Ginseng increases intestinal elimination of albendazole sulfoxide in the rat. Comp Biochem Physiol 2003; 136(1):9-15.
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Definitions
Severity Categories
Contraindicated
These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Major
This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.
Moderate
This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.
Minor
While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.
Onset
Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.
Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.
Evidence
Level of documentation of the interaction.
Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.
Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.
How To Manage The Interaction
Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.
It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.
Mechanism Of Interaction
The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.
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Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:
The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used.
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