Burdock - Imodium (Loperamide) Interaction
Herbal: Burdock
Also Known As: Arctium lappa, Arctium, Bardana, Bardana-minor, Bardanae Radix, Bardane, Beggar's Buttons, Burdock Root Extract, Burr Seed, Cocklebur, Cockle Buttons, Fox's Clote, Gobo, Glouteron, Grande Bardane, Great Bur, Great Burdocks, Hardock, Harebur, Lappa, Love Leaves, Niubang, Niu Ba
Drug: Loperamide
Brand names:
Imodium, Loperamide
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Loperamide and Burdock. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Pharmacist Analysis
While burdock root has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for a variety of health conditions, its potential interactions with medications have not been well studied. Currently, there is only limited information available.
Burdock contains a variety of different compounds, includin arctigenin, arctiin, beta-eudesmol, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, diarctigenin, inulin, lappaol, tannin, trachelogenin, and sitosterol-beta-D-glucopyranoside, all of which can have a wide range of effects.
One of the only theoretical interactions that have been suggested is with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, as burdock root may have mild blood-thinning effects. This has only been seen in animal studies, however.
Further research is needed to fully understand the potential interactions between burdock root and medications.
Burdock Overview
Burdock is a plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the daisy family and is known for its long, tapering roots and large, prickly leaves.
Burdock is often used in traditional medicine and is purported to have a number of health benefits. The roots and leaves of the plant are thought to have diuretic, diaphoretic, and expectorant properties. It has been used for a variety of conditions, including fever, sore throat, and digestive disorders. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock is used to rid the body of toxins.
Loperamide Overview
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Nonprescription (over-the-counter) loperamide is used to control acute diarrhea (loose stools that come on suddenly and usually lasts less than 2 weeks), including travelers' diarrhea. Prescription loperamide is also used to control acute diarrhea and also ongoing diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; condition in which the lining of all or part of the intestine is swollen, irritated, or has sores). Prescription loperamide is also used to reduce the amount of fluid in people with ileostomies (surgery to create an opening for waste to leave the body through the abdomen). Loperamide is in a class of medications called antidiarrheal agents. It works by decreasing the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel and by slowing down the movement of the bowel to decrease the number of bowel movements.
Burdock - More Interactions
Burdock interacts with 121 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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