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.
What is the time for taking Aloe Vera juice with Prilosec 40 mg time-release tablets? Can they be used together?
Nov 14, 2022- Aloe vera juice has a strong laxative effect that can decrease how well your body absorbs Prilosec, so separate them by at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking aloe vera.
- The laxative effects of aloe can be delayed up to 10 hours, and any resulting diarrhea may further affect how your medications are absorbed.
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 burns 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 sores, 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 & sources
- 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
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Omeprazole
- The active drug in Prilosec that reduces stomach acid by blocking acid-producing cells.
- Laxative
- A substance that stimulates bowel movements and promotes the passage of stool.
- Absorption
- The process by which drugs pass through the stomach and intestines into the bloodstream.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- A condition where stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, causing heartburn and damage.
- Esophagus
- The tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
- Proton-pump inhibitors
- A class of medications that work by blocking the production of stomach acid.
- Epidermis
- The outermost layer of skin.
- Topically
- Applied directly to the skin surface rather than taken by mouth.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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