CONTEMPORARY

MEDS

CO-ENZYME 10

Has antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties

Q10 is a free radical scavenger
Protects cell membranes and DNA from oxidative damage
Found in all human cells
Protects tissue from cellular damage

INDICATIONS
Allergies
Asthma
Respiratory disease
Alzheimers’ disease
Schizophrenia
Gives energy to the heart especially in CHF

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Anorexia
Nausea
Diarrhea
Epigastric discomfort
SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Oral antidiabetic agents may decrease effectiveness of Co-Q10
Co-Q10 may decrease response to warfarin
INTERVENTIONS
Cardiovascular assessment should be ongoing
Coenzyme Q10 is oil soluble and is best absorbed when taken with oily or fatty foods such as fish
EDUCATION
Co-Q10 is perishable and deteriorates in temperatures above 115’F
A liquid form or oil form is preferable
Vitamin E helps preserve Co-enzyme
FOODS HIGH IN VITAMIN E
Mackerel, salmon, sardines
Peanuts
Spinach
Beef
EVALUATION
CLIENT WILL HAVE NO SIGNS OF:
peripheral edema, hepato splenomegaly, JVD, bibasilar crackles
client will have normal sinus rhythm on ECG
increased sense of well-being
BRANDS
ADELIR
CO-Q10
HEARTACIN
INOKITON
NEUQUINONE
TAIDECANONE
UBIQUINONE
UDEKINONE

ECHINACEA
Stimulates phagocytosis
increases mobility of leukocytes
increases respiratory cellular activity
increased immunity
antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory
has peripheral vasodilator property
INDICATIONS
Sore throat, colds, flu, low immune status, CA
Ointments used for burns, ulceration, eczema, herpes simplex, psoriasis
Reduces recurrence of Candida Albicans
Decreases growth of Trichomonas Vaginalis
 WARNINGS
EXTERNALLY: none
INTERNALLY: TB, MS, HIV, collagen diseases and autoimmune diseases
Alcoholics and with liver disease
Pregnancy, breastfeeding
children
UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Allergies may occur if client is allergic to plants in the daisy family.
OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Do not administer with immunosupressants or hepatotoxic drugs, disulfiram and metronidazole
INTERVENTIONS
Monitor WBC
Vital signs
breath sounds
EDUCATION
Instruct the client that herb should not be used longer than 8 weeks ,10-14 days of therapy is
probably sufficient
If illness does not resolve after taking the herb, advise to notify provider.
EVALUATION
WBCs will return to normal range.Temperature will return to normal range, and client will have a
decrease in the symptoms for which the herb was administered.
BRANDS
CONEFLOWER EXTRACT
ECHINACEA
ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA
ECHINACEA FRESH FREEZE-DRIED
ECHINACEA GLYCERITE
ECHINACEA PURPUREA

EVENING PRIMROSE
Its oil stems from essential fatty acids that are crucial as structural elements for cells as precursors of
synthesis of prostaglandins
Linoleic acid is not manfactured by the body and must be provided through diet

The body relies on the metabolic conversion of lenoleic acid (LA) to gamma lenoleic acid (GLA). A
deficiency in this process results in diabetes , CA, CVD.
This herb contains the highest amount of GLA .
INDICATIONS
Rheumatoid arthritis
PMS
Menopause
diabetic neuropathy
WARNINGS
Pregnancy
Breast CA
Schizophrenia
Clients taking epileptogenic meds such as penothiazines
UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Abdominal discomfort
nausea
headache
rash
immunosuppression may occur after use of GLA > 1year
OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Penothiazines may increase risk of seizures
EDUCATION
Instruct women with breast CA or clients with seizure disorder not to use this herb

EVALUATION
The clients symptoms will improve based on therapeutic reason for taking the herb

BRANDS
EFAMOL
EPOGRAM
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL
PRIMROSE POWER
MEGA PRIMROSE OIL
 FEVERFEW
Inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes
Inhibits secretion of serotonin from platelet granules
INDICATIONS
Migraine headaches
Arthritis
Fever
Menstrual disorders
UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Occasional mouth ulceration
GI disturbances
Dry ,sore tongue
Swollen lips
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea, flatulence
POST FEVERFEW SYNDROME
Withdrawal syndrome characterized by moderate to severe pain and joint and muscle stiffness
OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Use caution with anti-coagulants, may increase bleeding
INTERVENTIONS
Recommend avoiding chewing the leaves since they can cause mouth ulcers
EDUCATION
Discuss proper oral hygiene due to the risk of mouth ulcerations.
Discuss the importance of reporting undesirable effects to provider
Even feverfew is given for pain, the user can still operate heavy machinery

Treatment for at least a few months is recommended .

Instruct the client not to withdraw the herb abruptly.
EVALUATION
Clients temperature will return to normal range and pain subside.
BRANDS
FEVERFEW
FEVERFEW GLYC
FEVERFEW POWER

GARLIC
Inhibits platelet agreggation
Decreases lipids
Has anti-tumor effects
Lowers total serum cholesterol, TG, and LDL
Increases HDL
Anti-microbial
INDICATIONS
Lowers high blood pressure and serum lipid levels
Aids in treatment of arteriosclerosis
Aids in treatment of yeast infection, wounds, colds and flu
WARNINGS
Hypersensitivity
Peptic ulcer or reflux disease
Pregnant women due to oxytocic effects
UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
The entire body can smell of garlic
Diaphoresis
Hypothyroidism
irritation of the mouth, esophagus or stomach
Nausea and vomiting

Chronic use may lead to decreased hemoglobin production and lysis of RBCs
OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Increases the risk of bleeding
INTERVENTIONS
Monitor CBC if client taking high-dose or long term
EDUCATION
Odorless garlic supplements are available
Instruct client watch for signs of bleeding (bleeding gums, petechiae) if taking with hemostatic agents
EVALUATION
The client will have a decrease in BP, lipid levels, or clinical symptoms for which the garlic was
administered
BRANDS
GARLIC POWER
GARLIQUE
KWAI
ODORLESS GARLIC TABLETS
ONE A DAY GARLIC
SAPEC

GINKO BILOBA
Produces arterial and venous vasoasoactive changes that increase the tissue perfusion and cerebral
blood flow
stimulates prostaglandin biosynthesis
acts as anti-oxidant
INDICATIONS
Memory loss
Early stages of Alzheimers’ disease
Poor circulation to extremeties
Intermittent claudication
WARNINGS
Hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
Children
Hemophilia or bleeding disorders
Clients taking anti-coagulants and anti-platelet meds
UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Mild GI upset in less than 1% of patients
Long term use has been linked with rare occurrence of spontaneous subdural hematoma,
intracerebral or intraoccular hemorrhage
OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Cigarette smoking or use of platelet agreggation inhibitors increases the risk of subarachnoid
hemorrhage may interact with carebemazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin.
INTERVENTIONS
Administration for at least 2 weeks recommended
Children and adults taking medicinal doses should be seen by a qualified health care provider
EDUCATION
Stay within recommended dosage and duration. Advise not to take aspirin or NSAIDs or alcohol;
report unusual bleeding or bruising.
Keep out of reach from children due to potential risk of seizures with ingestion
Avoid contact with the fruit pulp or seed coats due to risk of dermatitis
EVALUATION
Substantial regression of major symptoms of chronic cerebral insufficiency including vertigo,
senility, fatigue, lack of vigilance, and poor circulation to the limbs
BRANDS
BIOGINKO 24/6
BIOGINKO 27/7
GINCOSAN
GINEXIN REMIND
GINKAI
GINKOBA
GINKO PHYTOSOME

GINSENG
Supports and enhances adrenal function , allowing for more consistent energy and better reaction to
stress.
Reduces cholesterol and TG, decreases platelet adhesiveness and coagulation
Increases fibrinolysis

Antiarrythmic effects have also been determined with ginseng similar to Verapamil and amiordarone
INDICATIONS
Improves stamina, concentration and stress-resistance; adjunct in radiation and chemotherapy.
Lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels
Has anti-hypertensive effects
WARNINGS
Cardiovascular disease
Hyper/hypotension
Diabetes
Steroid therapy
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
High doses can cause jitters, headache, hypertension, vaginal bleeding, skin eruptions and pruritus.
OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Anti-diabetic agents should be used cautiously due to ginsengs’ hypogycemic effect.
MAO inhibitors given with ginseng may result in tremors, headache and mania.
Herb may interfere with digoxin effects
INTERVENTIONS
Monitor for “Ginseng Abuse Syndrome” (nervousness, insomnia, morning diarrhea)
This will occur if tea or coffee are taken with the herb.
Monitor the diabetic client for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.
EDUCATION
Take 1 hour before eating.
Vitamin C can interfere with absorption.
Avoid caffeine
Take early in the day to reduce over stimulation.
Generally up to 3 months is recommended
EVALUATION
Client will experience an increase in energy and an improvement of symptoms for which ginseng
was administered.

BRANDS
BIOSTAR
CIMEXON
GINCOSAN
GINSANA
GINSATONIC
NEO GINSANA

KAVA - KAVA
The limbic system is inhibited by kavapyrones an effect associated with suppression of emotional
excitability and mood enhancement. Noted for promoting relaxation without loss of mental
sharpness
INDICATIONS
Anxiety disorders
Stress
Insomnia
Muscle spasms
Backache
Neckache
Pain from TMJ
WARNINGS
Pregnant,breastfeeding
Children< 12
Use cautiously in clients with renal disease, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.
Do not use if diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Mild GI disturbance
Alterations in motor reflexes and judgement.
Visual disturbances
Dry discolored flaking skin
Reddened eyes ( may be from cholesterol metabolism)

Dopamine antagonism
Decreases patellar reflexes
Pulmonary hypertension,shortness of breath
decreased bilirubin levels,plasma proteins and urea

Long term use : decreased platelet and lymphocyte count

OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
When taken with kava , these interaction can occur:
ALPRAZOLAM may cause coma
BENZODIAZEPINES,ALCOHOL and CNS DEPRESSANTS increases sedative effects
LEVODOPA increases Parkinsonian’s symptoms
EDUCATION
Warn against using medicines referred to in other specific information.
Do not take for more than 3 months without provider advice due to significant undesirable effects.
Instruct client to take with food.
EVALUATION
Client will experience a decrease in anxiety and improvement in peaceful sleep.
BRANDS
AIGIN
ANTARES
ARDEYDYSTIN
CEFKAVA
KAVASEDON
KAVASPORAL
KAVATINO

LAITAN
MOSARO
NERVONOCTON N
POTTER’S ANTIGIAN TABLETS
VIOCAVA

SAW PALMETTO BERRY:

SERENOA REPENS
Lipidosterolic extract of S. repens (LSER) appears to have an inhibitory effect on the binding of
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to androgen receptors in the prostate. LESR has anti inflammatory
effect
INDICATIONS
BPH, may function as mild diuretic
WARNINGS
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and women of child-bearing age.
Use cautiously in clients with medical problems other than BPH due to lack of data
UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Large amounts may cause diarrhea.
In rare case , stomach problems and headaches may occur.
May create false negative prostate antigen results
OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Increase side effects of estrogen or birth control pills
May decrease iron absorption
INTERVENTIONS
Obtain a baseline PSA before starting the herb since it can cause a false negative PSA.
EDUCATION
Instruct the client to take the herb with AM and PM meal to decrease GI effects.
Client should use herb for BPH only after a diagnosis has been and with the management of the
provider of health care.
Advise client to report any undesirable effect
EVALUATION
Client will experience a decrease in the symptoms for which the herb was taken.
BRANDS
PREMIXON
PROPALMEX
STROGEN

ST. JOHN’S WORT

The exact mechanism has not been determined.
Inhibits the stress-induced increase in corticotropin-releasing hormone and cortisol.
Increases the nocturnal melatonin levels
Anti-viral
INDICATIONS
Mild to moderate depression ,insomnia, anxiety and PMS symptoms.
Wound healing
Insect bites
WARNINGS
Clients taking prescription and anti-depressants
Pregnant or breastfeeding clients
Children
UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
Photosensitivity in people with fair skin
Dizziness
Constipation
Dry mouth
GI distress
Restlessness
OTHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Alcohol, narcotics, OTC cold and flu medications, sympathomimetics, tyramine containing foods
may increase MAO inhibition activity.
Paroxetine may increase sedative-hypnotic effects with the herb.

Serotonin syndrome may occur when used with SSRI’s or tricyclic anti-depressants.
Do not use with drugs that cause photosensitivity ( sulfonamides,tetracyclines,antipsychotics,etc. )
INTERVENTIONS
The clients depression should be evaluated by a health care provider.
EDUCATION
Use over a period of several weeks or months to obtain the desired effects.
Should not be used at the same time with prescribed anti depressants.
Avoid foods high in tyramine
Teach to stay out of the sun
EVALUATION
Client’s communication and behavior will indicate an improvement of depression.
BRANDS
HYPERCALM
HYPERICUM
KIRA
MOOD SUPPORT
ST.JOHN’S WORT
NUTRI ZAC
TENSION TAMER