Can You Take Aloe Vera Juice With Prilosec?

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not aloe vera interacts with Prilosec.

Question

What is the time for taking Aloe Vera juice with Prilosec 40 mg time-release tablets? Can they be used together?

Asked by Pat On Nov 14, 2022

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Nov 16, 2022
Last updated Mar 28, 2024

Key points

  • There is no known interaction between Prilosec and aloe vera, but aloe, if taken by mouth, should generally be separated from other drugs by at least a few hours due to its laxative effects.

Answer

While there is no specific interaction between Prilosec (omeprazole) and aloe vera juice, it is generally recommended to separate the administration of any drug from aloe (when used orally).

Aloe vera, when taken by mouth (as opposed to topically) can have a strong laxative effect. This laxative effect could potentially decrease the absorption of other drugs, including Prilosec. Therefore, Prilosec should be taken at least 2 hours before, or four hours after taking aloe vera juice.

It should be noted that sometimes, the laxative effects of aloe can be delayed (up to 10 hours after dosing in some cases). If you are having diarrhea due to aloe vera use, the absorption of all drugs can be affected.

Aloe Vera Info

Aloe is a plant that grows in hot, arid climates. It is widely cultivated for use in cosmetics and medicine.

Most commonly, it is used topically for burn and other types of skin care as studies show it can reduce ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin redness and increase the water content of the outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum).

Aloe vera can also be taken by mouth, for short periods of time. Historically, it has been used for a variety of indications, including canker stores, acid reflux, and nausea. However, it generally shouldn't be used in high doses for constipation due to safety concerns.

In fact, in 2002, the US FDA banned the use of aloe latex in laxative products due to the lack of safety data. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified certain types of aloe whole-leaf extract as a possible human carcinogen.

Prilosec Info

Prilosec contains the drug omeprazole, which is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach).

Omeprazole is also used to treat frequent heartburn (heartburn that occurs at least 2 or more days a week) in adults. It is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors and works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

Final Words

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References

  • Status of certain additional over-the-counter drug category II and III active ingredients. Final rule, PubMed
  • Aloe vera: A review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects, PubMed
  • WARNING LETTER Texas Aloe Corporation, Inc., FDA
  • Aloe vera: A review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects, PubMed
  • Clear Evidence of Carcinogenic Activity by a Whole-Leaf Extract of Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) in F344/N Rats, PubMed

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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