.
Also indexed as: Amidate®, Desflurane, Dipravin®, Droperidol, Enflurane, Entomidate, Ethrane®, Forane®, Halothane, Inapsine®, Isoflurane, Ketalar®, Ketamine, Methoxyflurane, Penthrane®, Propofol, Sevoflurane, Suprane®, Ultane®
General anesthetics are used to produce unconsciousness during surgery. Unlike local anesthetics that are used in dentistry and minor surgery, general anesthetics circulate throughout the body, which results in a stronger action on the nervous system and a greater potential for side effects. Medications used as general anesthetics come from many different drug classifications, including barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
The interactions described below pertain to anesthetics in general. For specific interactions, refer to the individual drugs.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Catechin
Some general anesthetic drugs have infrequently caused liver damage. One animal study showed
that taking catechin (a bioflavonoid) prior to halothane exposure reduced the amount of liver
damage caused by the drug.1 Additional research is needed to determine whether this
protective effect occurs in humans and with other general anesthetics.
Interactions with Herbs
Ginger (Zingiber
officinale)
General anesthetics commonly cause nausea upon waking. In a double-blind study, taking 1 gram
of ginger one hour before surgery was as effective at reducing nausea and vomiting as the
anti-nausea drug metoclopramide.2
Individuals taking ginger in order to avoid side effects should disclose this to their doctor
prior to surgery, since the herb might affect blood clotting.
Milk thistle
(Silybum marianum)
Some general anesthetic drugs have infrequently caused liver damage. One animal study showed
that taking silybine, an active compound found in milk thistle, prior to halothane exposure
reduced the amount of liver damage caused by the drug.3 Though controlled research
in humans is necessary, some doctors of natural medicine currently suggest taking milk thistle
standardized to contain 140 mg of silymarin three times a day, beginning a week before surgery
and continuing for at least one week after surgery.
Summary of Interactions for General Anesthetics
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | Catechin* Ginger* Milk thistle |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Interactions common to many, if not all, General Anesthetics are described in this article. Interactions reported for only one or several drugs in this class may not be listed in this article. Some drugs listed in this article are linked to articles specific to that respective drug; please refer to those individual drug articles. The information in this article may not necessarily apply to drugs in this class for which no separate article exists. If you are taking a General Anesthetic for which no separate article exists, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. | |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Siegers CP, Fruhling A, Younes M. Influence of dithiocarb, (+)-catechin and silybine on halothane hepatotoxicity in the hypoxic rat model. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1983;53:125–9.
2. Phillips S, Ruggier R, Hutchinson SE. Zingiber officinale (ginger)—an antiemetic for day case surgery. Anaesthesia 1993;48:715–7.
3. Siegers CP, Fruhling A, Younes M. Influence of dithiocarb, (+)-catechin and silybine on halothane hepatotoxicity in the hypoxic rat model. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1983;53:125–9.
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