Is It Safe to Mix Herbal and Conventional Medicines?
16 Aug 2023 16:56 by Rizki Aprilia
Indonesia is rich in medicinal plants with the potential to be developed into herbal remedies. It's no wonder that Indonesian society is accustomed to consuming herbal medicines. In fact, many people believe that herbal medicines are safer to consume than conventional drugs.
However, herbal medicines are not necessarily 100% safe for consumption. Especially when taken together with conventional or chemical drugs, there's a possibility of dangerous drug interactions. Therefore, it is advised against indiscriminately mixing herbal and conventional medicines. "There are rules that need to be understood. Not all drug components are safe to be mixed with other types of drugs," says Erni Anikasari SFarm MFarm (Klin), a lecturer in the Professional Pharmacist Program at IIK Bhakti.
Erni explains that traditional or herbal medicines need to undergo preclinical testing to determine their functions. "Herbal medicines work slowly in the body because their active ingredients are limited," she says. As a result, many people believe that taking herbal and chemical medicines together can enhance their effectiveness. However, this action is counterproductive as it can potentially lead to harmful drug interactions.
For instance, hypertensive drugs containing Lisinopril, Captopril, and Ramipril. If these drugs are mixed with herbal medicines, it can lead to higher blood pressure and even fainting. "Interactions can indeed occur," she emphasizes. Due to the potential for various drug interactions, Erni advises patients to always consult a doctor before consuming herbal medicines.
To avoid negative side effects, Erni provides tips for consuming herbal and chemical medicines. It's recommended not to consume both types of medicines simultaneously. Patients can create a time gap of 2-3 hours between them.
A time gap of 2-3 hours is advisable between the consumption of conventional and herbal medicines. This allows the interaction between the two types to be minimized while still maximizing their effects. So, which one should be prioritized? Erni explains that it depends on individual needs.
If faster effectiveness is needed, you can prioritize the consumption of chemical drugs first. After 2-3 hours, you can then consume herbal medicines as a complementary treatment. Similarly, you can consume herbal medicines first and follow up with chemical drugs after 2-3 hours.
By paying attention to the proper way of consuming medicines, you can maximize their effects. This information can also be enjoyed in video form on the Official YouTube Channel of IIK Bhakti Wiyata.
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