Is Berberine Safe To Take If You Are On Losartan?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses the safety of combining losartan and berberine.
My husband is on Losartan 100 mg for high blood pressure, which hasn't been effective. He was recently diagnosed with gout. He is currently not taking medication for that. I have been reading about berberine supplements and I am wondering if it is safe to take them along with Losartan. Thank you.
Jun 20, 2023- There is no specific known interaction between berberine and losartan, but berberine may lower blood pressure on its own and could add to losartan's effects.
- Taking berberine with losartan carries a risk of blood pressure dropping too low, which could cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or sedation.
- Talk to your doctor before starting berberine if you take losartan so they can monitor you and provide guidance based on your individual situation.
Quick Answer
Thanks so much for reaching out! I am more than happy to answer this for you.
Berberine, a commonly utilized dietary supplement, may have antihypertensive effects and there is some evidence suggesting that it can lower blood pressure when taken in combination with other blood pressure medications.
However, there is no specific interaction known between berberine and losartan. The concern seems to only lie in the additive antihypertensive effects of both.
Detailed Answer
Berberine is a compound found in several plants, including goldenseal, barberry, goldthread, and Phellodendron.
It has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its effects on blood pressure and blood sugar. While there is no specific interaction known between berberine and losartan,, there are some findings that suggest berberine may have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
For example, animal research, specifically in rats, has shown that berberine can have hypotensive effects.
Additionally, clinical studies in humans, while inconclusive overall, have shown on occasion that the combination of berberine and other antihypertensives can lead to a greater reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to taking a blood pressure medication alone.
If combining both, you should be aware of the risk of blood pressure dropping too low, which could cause dizziness, sedation, and lightheadedness.
As always, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, so you can be appropriately monitored.
Many individuals can safely combine herbal supplements with prescription medication to help manage their disease state (high blood pressure in this case). You just want to be sure your doctor knows everything you are taking so they can provide personalized guidance.
Final Words
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References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Antihypertensive
- A medication or substance that helps lower blood pressure.
- Berberine
- A yellow compound found in certain plants that is taken as a dietary supplement for potential health benefits.
- Losartan
- A prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure by blocking certain natural substances that tighten blood vessels.
- Additive effects
- When two substances work together to produce a combined effect that is greater than either one alone.
- Hypotensive effects
- The ability to lower blood pressure.
- Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- The two numbers in a blood pressure reading, where systolic is the pressure when your heart beats and diastolic is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
- Dietary supplement
- A product containing vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other substances meant to improve health and 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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