Drug interactions
Astragalus + Tacrolimus
Severity: Moderate
Astragalus and Tacrolimus: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Astragalus is reputed to stimulate immune function and could theoretically oppose tacrolimus immunosuppression. This might reduce protection against graft rejection. Clinical data are sparse.
What this interaction means in plain words
Astragalus and Tacrolimus can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism through immune stimulation; not well established.
What to do
Advise transplant patients to avoid astragalus supplements. If used, monitor tacrolimus trough levels and graft function.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Tacrolimus
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Astragalus with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Astragalus and Tacrolimus can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Astragalus is reputed to stimulate immune function and could theoretically oppose tacrolimus immunosuppression. This might reduce protection against graft rejection. Clinical data are sparse.
How serious is the interaction between Astragalus and Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise transplant patients to avoid astragalus supplements. If used, monitor tacrolimus trough levels and graft function.
What other medicines interact with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tacrolimus with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Cidofovir. The full list is on the Tacrolimus page.
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