By: Janella Schroeder RN

Natural Herbs and Vitamins Interact With Medications and Medical Conditions,
Elderly at Highest Risk

The concept of health promotion and primary disease prevention are growing trends in health care. With health awareness come more frequent doctor visits, more attention to lifestyle and diet choices and becoming more common is types of alternative medicine. Among the most common alternative medicine are natural herbal supplements and vitamins. The elderly have been quick to take part in this growing trend of “natural” medicine for varying reasons. Most are looking to supplement their diets and use herbs for health promotion and disease prevention. Unfortunately, some older adults turn to herbal supplements and vitamins due the high cost of prescription medication. Some are also looking for a more natural way to cure some aliment without going on another “medicine”.
It is extremely important to realize that herbal supplements and vitamins as natural as they may seem are still considered medication. The elderly are at higher risk for the side effect and drug interactions that herbal supplements and vitamins possess due to the increased multiple medications they are on and the decrease in kidney and liver function that comes with age. It is also vital that all consumers of herbal supplements and vitamins be aware that the evaluation of safeness and effectiveness of these substances is in the hands of the manufactures. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not test the actual substances sold nor does it test the claims the manufactures of the supplements make.
There are many health benefits to supplements, but it is essential to discuss the supplement choice and dose with your doctor or pharmacist. Dosing can mean the difference between beneficial results and detrimental side effects and vitamin toxicity that are more common among elderly partakers. The some common supplements that can cause fatal vitamin toxicity in the elderly are vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin B6. So many herbal supplements and even plain vitamins can have detrimental interactions with prescription medications. One of the most common vitamin supplements taken is calcium which can interact with antibiotics, diuretics, thyroid medications and many more. It cannot be stressed enough that just because a medication is over the counter does not mean it does not come with side effects and potential interactions and your doctor still needs to know that you take it even though it is not a “medication”.
If your doctor is unwilling to work with you in finding the right supplements and vitamins to work for your symptoms and current medications, either find a doctor who will or visit a pharmacist. There are many great resources that offer nonbiased online information on all medications including vitamins and supplements. Most importantly the source discusses possible side effects and potential drug interactions.
Supplements and vitamins can have great benefits and most are considered safe however it is not safe to self-diagnosis and self-medicate, no matter what your age. Unfortunately with age comes more complications in taking these natural substances, so before you try them, please discuss them with a health care professional. Most importantly, consider every pill, cream, tea, or solution you ingest a medication and tell your doctor you are on it.


References

Drug Digest: http://www.drugdigest.org/wps/portal/ddigest

Beatty, E. (2007). Herbal Supplements and the Elderly. Retrieved 2 5, 2009, from Resources For Seniors: www.resourcesforseniors.com/pharm_essays/herbal%20supplements.doc

Mauk, K. (2006). Gerontological Nursing. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett.

T. B. (2002). Vitamin toxicity. Retrieved 2 5, 2009, from Life Steps: http://www.lifesteps.com/gm/Atoz/ency/vitamin_toxicity.jsp

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Janella Schroeder RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.