Alchemilla - Pimecrolimus Interaction
Herbal: Alchemilla
Also Known As: Alchemilla xanthochlora, Alchemilla vulgaris, Alquimila, Alquimilla, Bear's Foot, Frauenmantel, Lady's Mantle, Leontopodium, Lion's Foot, Marienmantel, Nine Hooks, Silerkraut, Stellaria
Drug: Pimecrolimus
Brand names:
Elidel
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jan 28, 2024
Interaction Details
Pimecrolimus is classified as belonging to the following category: Topical Drugs
While no side effects have been reported from orally using Alchemilla, a clinical study titled "Treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis with Topical Alchemilla vulgaris in Glycerine," published in Clinical Drug Investigation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17163290/), found that local mouth irritation occurred after applying a commercial product containing 3% alchemilla extract and glycerol (Aphtarine, Laboratoires Biosphere). Aphtarine was non-irritating in 68.2% of cases within 2-3 days, in 18.8% of cases within 4-7 days, and in 13.6% of cases with moderate irritation. Theoretically, combining Alchemilla with other potentially irritating topical products could increase the risk of local irritation and discomfort. The drug in this drug interaction monograph is available in a topical dosage form. There is no interaction expected from the oral dosage form of the drug.
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
Alchemilla Overview
Alchemilla, a perennial herb found throughout Europe, is traditionally used orally for gastrointestinal issues, inflammation, and as a diuretic. Its above-ground parts are also used topically for their astringent properties. Alchemilla contains 6-16% tannins (ellagic and gallic acids) and 2.22% flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, and proanthocyanidins).
Studies show that alchemilla's aqueous extracts have antioxidant effects, countering lipid peroxidation and scavenging superoxide anions. In dermatology, alchemilla extracts inhibit proteolytic enzymes and promote fibroblast migration, potentially aiding in wound healing. A small human study suggests that alchemilla extract in gels improves skin moisturization, particularly when skin is pre-treated with drying agents like sodium laurel sulfate, although the exact mechanism is unclear.
Most dietary supplements that contain Alchemilla refer to it solely as 'Lady's Mantle'.
Pimecrolimus Overview
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Pimecrolimus is used to control the symptoms of eczema (atopic dermatitis; a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). Pimecrolimus is only used to treat patients who cannot use other medications for eczema, or whose symptoms were not controlled by other medications. Pimecrolimus is in a class of medications called topical calcineurin inhibitors. It works by stopping the immune system from producing substances that may cause eczema.
Alchemilla - More Interactions
Alchemilla interacts with 185 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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