Oregano - WelChol (Colesevelam) Interaction

Interaction Details

Pharmacist Analysis

Oregano (and oregano oil) supplements are generally considered safe and there is no indication that there is an interaction between the drug highlighted in this interaction monograph and oregano.

However, as with all supplements, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting anything new, so you can be appropriately monitored.

In terms of drug interactions that have been reported with oregano, below are some examples.

Anticoagulant; Antiplatelet Drugs

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs work by slowing down or preventing blood clotting. While they are essential medications for individuals with certain conditions, they come with an increased risk of bleeding.

Some studies have reported that oregano oil may also increase the risk of bleeding, as it contains compounds that have antithrombin activity and can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Therefore, taking oregano oil along with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs may increase the risk of bleeding, bruising, and other adverse effects.

Anti-Diabetic Drugs

Several studies suggest that oregano supplements may help lower blood glucose (i.e., sugar) levels. In vitro and animal research has shown that oregano extracts might stimulate glucose uptake and reduce blood glucose levels.

Therefore, based on the available evidence, combining oregano oil with antidiabetic drugs could potentially cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to hypoglycemia.

However, it is important to note that studies reporting that oregano can reduce blood glucose levels have not reported it causing hypoglycemia.

References

• Anti-hyperglycaemic activity of the aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare growing wild in Tafilalet region. PubMed
• Inhibitory effect of clonal oregano extracts against porcine pancreatic amylase in vitro. PubMed
• Antithrombin activity of some constituents from Origanum vulgare. PubMed
• Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. PubMed

Colesevelam Overview

• Colesevelam is used in adults along with diet, weight loss, and exercise to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in the blood alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). Colesevelam is also used alone or in combination with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in certain boys and in girls, ages 10 to 17, with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (an inherited condition in which cholesterol cannot be removed from the body normally) to decrease the amount of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood. Colesevelam is also used along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Colesevelam is in a class of medications called bile acid sequestrants. It works by binding bile acids in your intestines to form a product that is removed from the body.

• Bile acids are made when cholesterol is broken down in your body. Removing these bile acids helps to lower your blood cholesterol. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.

Oregano - More Interactions

Oregano interacts with 205 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.