Drug interactions
Nicardipine + St john's wort
Severity: Moderate
Nicardipine and St john's wort: 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
St John's wort induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and can reduce nicardipine exposure, with possible loss of blood pressure control. The effect develops over about two weeks and wanes after stopping the herb.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nicardipine and St john's wort 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
St John's wort induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, increasing nicardipine clearance.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid St John's wort; if used, monitor blood pressure and adjust the nicardipine dose. Recheck after the herb is stopped as levels will rise.
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 Nicardipine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nicardipine with St john's wort?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nicardipine and St john's wort 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. St John's wort induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and can reduce nicardipine exposure, with possible loss of blood pressure control. The effect develops over about two weeks and wanes after stopping the herb.
How serious is the interaction between Nicardipine and St john's wort?
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 patients to avoid St John's wort; if used, monitor blood pressure and adjust the nicardipine dose. Recheck after the herb is stopped as levels will rise.
What other medicines interact with Nicardipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nicardipine with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide, Betrixaban. The full list is on the Nicardipine page.
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