Potassium with Dandelion Interaction Details

Brand Names Associated with Potassium

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated Nov 11, 2023

Interaction Effect

Increased risk of hyperkalemia

Interaction Summary

Patients using dandelion leaf or root may be at increased risk for hyperkalemia. The mean potassium content of dandelion leaves is 4.51%, with roots containing less (2.45%). The high potassium content is thought to be responsible for any diuretic activity that may be noted. However, consumption of higher concentrations of leaf or root extracts do not always correlate with higher potassium excretion (acutely) or greater diuretic effect (acutely and chronically). The high potassium content may contribute to hyperkalemia if combined with a potassium supplement (e.g., potassium chloride), though increased urinary excretion of potassium results from administration of the leaf extract . If it is not possible to avoid concomitant use, potassium levels should be monitored frequently.

Severity

Moderate

Onset

Delayed

Evidence

Theoretical

How To Manage Interaction

Avoid dandelion leaf use during potassium supplementation, since the effect of the leaf may be variable and unpredictable depending on product potassium content. If dandelion and potassium are taken together, frequent monitoring of potassium serum levels is recommended.

Mechanism Of Interaction

Potassium content of dandelion

Literature Reports

A) Extracts and purified fractions of autumn-collected dandelion roots were administered to mice, producing no significant changes in urine volume and sodium excretion. Mean potassium content of the leaves was 4.51% w/w and 2.45% for the roots. The high potassium content of dandelion was theorized to be responsible if there is any diuretic activity observed, although no such diuretic activity was found with the root .

B) During a 2 hour observation following oral and intraperitoneal administration of a single dose of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root extract to rats and mice, neither diuretic nor natriuretic activity was found. Potassium excretion doubled after oral treatment with 4 grams/kg which was attributed to the high ion content of the plant .

C) Diuretic activity was reported with Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) extracts when administered via gastric tube to male rats at a dose of 50 milliliters/kilogram (mL/kg) in dilutions ranging from 0.5% to 6.0% (0.5-6 grams per 100 mL). Furosemide was used as a reference solution. The strongest diuretic action after 30 days administration was found in the 4% dilution of Taraxacum officinale. The effect of the 4% leaf extract (indices: diuretic 1.90, saluretic for sodium 6.29 and saluretic for potassium 4.04) for 5 hours following a single dose was found to be comparable to furosemide 80 mg/kg which resulted in the following indices: diuretic 1.87, saluretic for sodium 7.9 and saluretic for potassium 3.6. These authors speculated the high saluretic index for potassium may be due to the high potassium content of the plant itself. However, following a single dose at the highest concentration administered (6% leaf extract), potassium excretion and diuretic effect were low (1.78 and 1.18, respectively) and after 30 days the diuretic index was low (1.49) though the potassium excretion was high (4.01). The dry herb averaged 4.25% potassium as determined by flame photometer. No significant diuretic or saluretic effects were found with the root extract except when given at a 2.0% dilution .

Potassium Overview

• Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system. Usually the food you eat supplies all of the potassium you need. However, certain diseases (e.g., kidney disease and gastrointestinal disease with vomiting and diarrhea) and drugs, especially diuretics ('water pills'), remove potassium from the body. Potassium supplements are taken to replace potassium losses and prevent potassium deficiency.

• This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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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.

Where Does Our Information Come From?

Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:

• Gold Standard Drug Database
• Micromedex
• Lexicomp
• DrugBank

The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used. 

Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.

The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.