Q Can I take herbal medicine while taking antihistamines? I also take blood pressure medication.
A Combining 2nd-generation antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) with herbal medicine is generally done without problems. Blood pressure medication (especially ACE inhibitor type) can induce or worsen urticaria, so you must inform your prescribing doctor. Korean medicine clinics check the list of medications being taken and prescribe considering possible interactions.
Detailed Answer
When taking antihistamines and herbal medicine at the same time, liver metabolic burden may increase, so it is important to inform the clinic of all medications being taken. ACE inhibitors (enalapril, etc.) can cause angioedema due to bradykinin accumulation, which may require a medication change. Aspirin and NSAID types can also worsen urticaria by stimulating histamine release.
Korean Medicine Perspective
At Dongjedang, drug interaction screening is conducted at the initial examination. For patients taking blood pressure medication, the use of strong diaphoretic (perspiration-inducing) medications that can affect the cardiovascular system is reduced, and gentle tonifying (補益) prescriptions are used as the main approach. If there are concerns about drug interactions, collaborative opinions are shared with the attending doctor.
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