Acad Emerg Med. 2001 Sep; 8(9): 932-4.

Are emergency department patients at risk for herb-drug interactions?

Rogers EA, Gough JE, Brewer KL.

Department of Emergency Medicine, The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of herbal and/or dietary supplement use and identify patients at risk for herb-drug interactions. METHODS: A convenience sample of 944 patients were surveyed to determine the prevalence and types of supplements used. Patients with heart disease, diabetes, psychiatric disorders, and/or hypertension were assessed for potential interactions. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five (14.3%) patients reported regular use. Of these, 79.3% were taking supplements concurrently with prescription medications, and 80.0% were administered medication(s) in the emergency department. Cardiac: 19.8% (n = 33) reported regular use, with four potential interactions. Hypertension: 20.3% (n = 54) reported regular use, with two potential interactions. Diabetes: 15.9% (n = 20) reported regular use, with no known interactions. Psychiatric: 15.9% (n = 10) reported regular use, with one potential interaction. CONCLUSIONS: Six patients were identified at risk for seven known herb-drug interactions. The prevalence of undisclosed herbal supplement use and lack of research on these supplements suggest that more patients may be at risk.