.
Combination drug: Combivir®
Lamivudine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and is in a class of drugs known as antivirals.
Interactions with Herbs
Sho-saiko-to
Test tube studies show that the herbal combination sho-saiko-to enhances the antiviral
activity of lamivudine.1 Sho-saiko-to contains extracts of seven herbs, including
Bupleuri radix, Pinelliae tuber, Scutellariae radix, Zizyphi fructus, ginseng
(Ginseng radix),licorice (Glycyrrhizae
radix), and ginger (Zingibers rhizoma).
Controlled studies are needed to determine whether taking sho-saiko-to might enhance the
beneficial effects of lamivudine.
Summary of Interactions for Lamivudine
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | Sho-saiko-to* |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
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. Piras G, Makino M, Baba M. Sho-saiko-to, a traditional kampo medicine, enhances the anti-HIV-1 activity of lamivudine (3TC) in vitro. Microbiol Immunol 1997;41:835–9.
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