Drug
Propranolol
Common brand names:
Inderal, Inderal LAPropranolol is a beta-blocker drug. Propranolol is used to treat or prevent some heart conditions, reduce the symptoms of angina pectoris (chest pain), lower blood pressure in people with hypertension, and improve survival after a heart attack. Propranolol is sometimes used to prevent migraine headaches, to reduce movement associated with essential tremor, and to reduce performance anxiety.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
Negative Interactions
2- Potential Negative Interaction
Propranolol
Pleurisy Root
As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.
Pleurisy RootPropranolol- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213-4.
- Potential Negative Interaction
Propranolol
Potassium
Some beta-adrenergic blockers (called “nonselective” beta blockers) decrease the uptake of potassium from the blood into the cells, leading to excess potassium in the blood, a potentially dangerous condition known as hyperkalemia. People taking beta-blockers should therefore avoid taking potassium supplements, or eating large quantities of fruit (e.g., bananas), unless directed to do so by their doctor.
PotassiumPropranolol- Rosa RM, Silva P, Young JB, et al. Adrenergic modulation of extrarenal potassium disposal. N Engl J Med 1980;302:431-4.
- Lundborg P. The effect of adrenergic blockade on potassium concentrations in different conditions. Acta Med Scand Suppl 1983;672:121-6 [review].
Explanation Required
3- Needs Explanation
Propranolol
Black Pepper
In a single-dose human study, piperine, a chemical found in black pepper and long pepper, was reported to increase blood levels of propranolol, which could increase the activity and risk of side effects of the drug.
Black PepperPropranolol- Bano G, Raina RK, Zutshi U, et al. Effect of piperine on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1991;41:615-7.
- Needs Explanation
Propranolol
Coenzyme Q10
Propranolol inhibits enzymes dependent on coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). In one trial, propranolol-induced symptoms were reduced in people given 60 mg of CoQ10 per day.
Coenzyme Q10Propranolol- Hamada M, Kazatain Y, Ochi T, et al. Correlation between serum CoQ10 level and myocardial contractility in hypertensive patients. In Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q, vol 4, ed. K Folkers, Y Yamamura. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1984, 263-70.
- Needs Explanation
Propranolol
Long Pepper
In a single-dose human study, piperine, a chemical found in black pepper and long pepper, was reported to increase blood levels of propranolol, which could increase the activity and risk of side effects of the drug.
Long PepperPropranolol- Bano G, Raina RK, Zutshi U, et al. Effect of piperine on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1991;41:615-7.