Are emergency department patients at risk for herb-drug interactions?

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of herbal and/or dietary supplement use and identify patients at risk for herb-drug interactions. Methods: A c onvenience sample of 944 patients were surveyed to determine the prevalence and types of supplements used. Patients with heart disease, diabetes, psyc hiatric disorders, and/or hypertension were assessed for potential interact ions. Results: One hundred thirty-five (14.3%) patients reported regular us e. Of these, 79.3% were taking supplements concurrently with prescription m edications, and 80.0% were administered medication(s) in the emergency depa rtment. Cardiac: 19.8% (n = 33) reported regular use, with four potential i nteractions. Hypertension: 20.3% (n = 54) reported regular use, with two po tential interactions. Diabetes: 15.9% (n = 20) reported regular use, with n o known interactions. Psychiatric: 15.9% (n = 10) reported regular use, wit h one potential interaction. Conclusions: Six patients were identified at r isk for seven known herb-drug interactions. The prevalence of undisclosed h erbal supplement use and lack of research on these supplements suggest that more patients may be at risk.