If you currently take any of the following drugs, you should not use German chamomile without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medication) -- Chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin.
Sedatives -- Chamomile can increase the effect of drugs that have a sedating effect, including:
- Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote)
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium)
- Drugs to treat insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and ramelteon (Rozerem)
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Alcohol
The same is true of herbs with a sedating effect, such as valerian, kava, and catnip.
Other drugs -- Because chamomile is broken down by certain liver enzymes, it may interact with other drugs that are broken down by the same enzymes. Those drugs may include:
- Fexofenadine (Seldane)
- Statins (drugs taken to lower cholesterol)
- Birth control pills
- Some antifungal drugs
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A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
