Is Cat's Claw Safe To Take With Antibiotics?

Answer

Although more studies are needed to better understand Cat's Claw (Uncaria guianensis; Uncaria tomentosa) and how it may affect other drugs, there are no documented interactions between Cat's Claw and antibiotics.

Some studies do indicate that Cat's Claw may mildly affect a specific metabolizing enzyme (CYP3A4), but again, no clinically significant drug interactions have been reported between it and antibiotics.

What Is Cat's Claw?

Cat's claw is a vine native to tropical areas of South and Central America and is a commonly used dietary supplement. Two different species of cat's claw are primarily used in commercial preparations:

• Uncaria tomentosa
• Uncaria guianensis

Cat's Claw is named as such since the thorns of the vine are shaped like the claw of a cat.

Although there is no strong evidence for the benefit of using Cat's Claw for the treatment of any condition, it has been historically used for:

• Bacterial infections
• Vital infections
• Wound Healing
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Gastritis

Cat's Claw With Antibiotics

As mentioned, there is no indication that Cat's Claw interferes with antibiotics. In fact, studies have not reported interactions between Cat's claw and all of the following commonly used antibiotics:

• Penicillin
• Doxycycline
• Amoxicillin
• Azithromycin
• Levofloxacin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Erythromycin
• Clarithromycin
• Tetracycline

What About Other Drugs?

In terms of interactions clinical studies have reported, you should be cautious taking Cat's Claw if you are on the following medications:

• Immunosuppressants
• Anticoagulants
• Drugs metabolized by the enzyme CYP3A4

Cat's Claw has been reported to have immunostimulant effects that might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy. Due to this, Cat's Claw could interfere with the activity of immunosuppressant medications.

Additionally, Cat's claw may have mild anticoagulant effects and mild inhibitory effects on the CYP3A4 metabolizing enzyme, so could affect other drugs that are metabolized by it.

The list of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 is quite extensive, but studies show Cat's claw inhibits the enzyme to a relatively low degree (although more studies are needed on this matter).

As always, it is a good idea to ask your pharmacist or doctor about taking a supplement with your prescription medication before doing so.

Final Words

I hope this answer helped! Reach back out anytime.