Saw Palmetto - Minocin (Minocycline) Interaction

Interaction Details

Minocycline is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Saw palmetto might increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Saw palmetto is reported to prolong bleeding time. Theoretically, it might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction 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

Pharmacist Analysis

Saw palmetto is a popular herbal supplement that has been used for various health benefits, including treating urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.

However, some research has shown that saw palmetto may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, with the theoretical mechanism being that saw palmetto can prolonged bleeding time as a result of platelet dysfunction caused by cyclooxygenase inhibition.

This type of effect has only been reported in lab studies and limited case studies.

While more information is certainly needed to understand the effect saw palmetto has on blood coagulation, people taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs should be especially cautious and avoid using saw palmetto without first consulting with their healthcare provider.

References

• Cheema P, El-Mefty O, Jazieh AR. Intraoperative haemorrhage associated with the use of extract of Saw Palmetto herb: a case report and review of literature. J Intern Med 2001;250:167-9.

Minocycline Overview

• Minocycline is used to treat infections caused by bacteria including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; certain infections of the skin, eye, lymphatic, intestinal, genital, and urinary systems; and certain other infections that are spread by ticks, lice, mites, and infected animals. It is also used along with other medications to treat acne. Minocycline is also used to treat plague and tuleramia (serious infections that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack). It can also be used in patients who cannot be treated with penicillin to treat certain types of food poisoning, and anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack). It can also be used to eliminate bacteria from your nose and throat that may cause meningitis (swelling of tissues around the brain) in others, even though you may not have an infection. Minocycline extended-release tablet (Solodyn) is only used to treat acne. Minocycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works to treat infections by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. It works to treat acne by killing the bacteria that infects pores and decreasing a certain natural oily substance that causes acne.

• Antibiotics such as minocycline will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Saw Palmetto - More Interactions

Saw Palmetto interacts with 173 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.