Kava and Alcohol/Food Interactions
There is 1 alcohol/food/lifestyle interaction with kava.
Alcohol (Ethanol) Kava
Moderate Drug Interaction
GENERALLY AVOID: The combination of kava and alcohol poses a theoretical risk of additive hepatotoxicity during chronic concomitant use. Studies in mice also suggest that the hypnotic effects of kava and alcohol may be synergistically increased when taken together, and that alcohol can markedly potentiate the toxicity of kava. However, a clinical study in humans found no influence on safety-related performance parameters associated with the combination.
MANAGEMENT: In general, patients should consult a healthcare provider before taking any herbal or alternative medicine. Use of kava-containing products with alcohol should be avoided. Patients using kava should be instructed to discontinue the drug promptly and seek medical attention if signs and symptoms of hepatic injury develop, including fever, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and jaundice.
References (6)
- Miller LG (1998) "Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions." Arch Intern Med, 158, p. 2200-11
- Escher M, Desmeules J, Giostra E, Mentha G (2001) "Hepatitis associated with Kava, a herbal remedy for anxiety." Br Med J, 322, p. 139
- Russmann S, Lauterburg BH, Helbling A (2001) "Kava hepatotoxicity." Ann Intern Med, 135, p. 68-9
- Izzo AA, Ernst E (2001) "Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: a systematic review." Drugs, 61, p. 2163-75
- Brinckmann J, Blumenthal M, eds., Goldberg A (2000) "Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs." Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications
- (2002) "Hepatic toxicity possibly associated with kava-containing products--United States, Germany, and Switzerland, 1999-2002." MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 51, p. 1065-7
Switch to consumer interaction data
Kava drug interactions
There are 276 drug interactions with kava.
Report options
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
See also:
Milk thistle
Milk thistle systemic is used for gallbladder disease, herbal supplementation, infectious gastroenteritis
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Creatine
Creatine is a quickly available source of energy for muscle contractions and is used to enhance ...
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto systemic is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, herbal supplementation
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.