McKenna's Pharmacology for Nursing, 2e

A P P E N D I X F Complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies 963

■■ TABLE F Complementary and alternative therapies (continued) Substance Reported uses and possible risks

barberry

Oral: antidiarrhoeal, antipyretic, cough suppressant Risk of spontaneous abortion if taken during pregnancy May increase effects of antihypertensives , antiarrhythmics Oral: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic Risk of increased hypoglycaemic effects of oral hypoglycaemic agents

basil

bayberry

Topical: to promote wound healing Oral: stimulant, emetic, antidiarrhoeal May block effects of antihypertensives

bee pollen

Oral: to treat allergies, asthma, impotence, prostatitis; suggested use to decrease cholesterol levels Risk of hyperglycaemia; discourage use by diabetic patients or with oral hypoglycaemic agents ; may cause allergic reaction in individuals allergic to bees Oral: mild stimulant, digestive aid Increased risk of hypertensive crisis with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors ; blocks heart-rate reduction of beta-blockers , digoxin ; alters effects of antiglaucoma drugs Oral: treatment of diabetes; cardiovascular problems; lowers cholesterol and triglycerides; treatment of diabetic retinopathy; treatment of cataracts, night blindness Increased risk of bleeding with anticoagulants ; disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol Oral: treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal disorders, rheumatoid arthritis Contains oestrogen-like components; caution against use with hormone replacement therapy or hormonal contraceptives ; discourage use during pregnancy and breastfeeding; may lower blood pressure with sedatives , antihypertensives , anaesthetics ; increased risk of fungal infection with immunosuppressants Oral: treatment of inflammation, sports injuries, upper respiratory tract infection, PMS, adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, menstrual disorders Oral: treatment of diabetes; atropine-like adverse effects, uterine stimulant May increase hypoglycaemic effects of oral hypoglycaemic agents Topical: external analgesic Oral: treatment of bowel disorders, chronic laryngitis, peripheral vascular disease May increase bleeding with warfarin , aspirin ; increases cough with angiotensin-converting- enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) ; increases toxicity with MAO inhibitors ; increases sedation with sedatives Oral: treatment of allergies, arthritis; adjunct in the treatment of cancers and AIDS Discourage use during pregnancy and breastfeeding and use by transplant recipients; increased risk of bleeding episodes if taken with oral anticoagulants ; increased hypotension with antihypertensives Oral: treatment of bronchitis, diarrhoea Contains coumarin–closely monitor individuals taking anticoagulants ; may cause depression; monitor individuals on antidepressants ; cross-reaction with ragweed allergies may occur; discourage use during pregnancy and breastfeeding Oral: progesterone-like effects; used to treat PMS and menopausal problems and to stimulate breastfeeding Advise caution when taken with hormone replacement therapy and hormonal contraceptives Oral: breaks up respiratory secretions, bronchodilator, relieves anxiety Oral: treatment of digestive tract problems, gout; stimulates bile secretions Oral: general tonic; treatment of anaemias, PMS, menopause; antihypertensive, laxative Use caution with the flu, haemorrhagic diseases; monitor people on antihypertensives , vasodilators or anticoagulants for toxic effects; advise caution when taken with hormone replacement therapy Oral: treatment of osteoarthritis and related disorders (usually combined with glucosamine) Risk of increased bleeding if combined with anticoagulants Oral: as tea for generalised healing; treatment of diabetes Risk of interaction with oral hypoglycaemic agents Topical: treatment of burns, wounds, relief of toothache Oral: lowers blood glucose, acts as a diuretic; may cause potassium depletion Advise caution when taken with oral hypoglycaemic agents Topical: treatment of wounds, ulcer, conjunctivitis Oral: treatment of migraines, gastric cramps, relief of anxiety Topical: treatment of infected wounds, cuts Oral: as tea for relief of stomach ache Topical form very toxic to children

betel palm

bilberry

birch bark

black cohosh root

blackberry

bromelain

burdock

capsicum

catnip leaves

cat’s claw

cayenne pepper

celery

chamomile

chaste-tree berry

chicken soup

chicory

Chinese angelica (dong quai)

chondroitin

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