Meta Information
ID:echinacea
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/immunosuppressants
Target name:
Immunosuppressant Medications
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Echinacea stimulates the immune system, which can directly counteract the intended effects of immunosuppressant drugs (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus) used to prevent organ transplant rejection or treat autoimmune diseases.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using Echinacea completely if you are taking any immunosuppressant medication.
Target id:
/condition/autoimmune-disease
Target name:
Autoimmune Diseases
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
By stimulating the immune system, Echinacea may potentially worsen the activity of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or type 1 diabetes.
Actionable advice:
Do not use Echinacea if you have an autoimmune condition, unless approved by your doctor.
Target id:
/condition/asteraceae-allergy
Target name:
Allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae Family Plants
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Echinacea is a member of the daisy (Asteraceae) family. Individuals with allergies to related plants like ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies are at high risk for an allergic reaction.
Actionable advice:
Do not take Echinacea if you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, or related plants.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The safety of Echinacea during pregnancy has not been well-established, and it is generally recommended to avoid use due to unknown risks to the fetus.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using Echinacea completely during pregnancy.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is unknown if components of Echinacea pass into breast milk or what effects they might have on a nursing infant; therefore, its use is not recommended.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using Echinacea while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
Medications Metabolized by CYP3A4
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Echinacea can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which may increase the concentration and risk of side effects from many common medications, including some statins, calcium channel blockers, and benzodiazepines.
Actionable advice:
Consult a pharmacist or doctor to check for interactions if you take any prescription medications.
Target id:
/class/corticosteroids
Target name:
Corticosteroids
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Echinacea's immune-stimulating properties may oppose the immune-suppressing action of corticosteroids like prednisone, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking Echinacea while on long-term or high-dose corticosteroid therapy.
Target id:
/condition/hepatic-impairment
Target name:
Liver Disease or Impairment
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Although rare, there are case reports of liver inflammation associated with long-term Echinacea use. Caution is advised in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before using Echinacea if you have a history of liver problems.
Target id:
/class/cyp1a2-substrates
Target name:
Medications Metabolized by CYP1A2
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Some evidence suggests Echinacea may induce (speed up) the CYP1A2 enzyme, potentially decreasing the effectiveness of drugs it metabolizes, such as caffeine and theophylline.
Actionable advice:
Be aware that the effects of substances like caffeine may be reduced when taking Echinacea.
Target id:
/intervention/caffeine
Target name:
Caffeine
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Echinacea may increase the activity of the CYP1A2 enzyme, leading to faster breakdown of caffeine and potentially reducing its stimulant effects.
Actionable advice:
You may notice a reduced effect from your usual amount of coffee or other caffeinated products.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Drugs
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
There is a theoretical risk that Echinacea could affect platelet function, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding when combined with drugs like warfarin or aspirin, though evidence is limited.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and monitor for signs of increased bruising or bleeding if taking blood-thinning medications.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Meal or Snack
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking Echinacea with food is not required for absorption but may help prevent potential mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals.
Actionable advice:
Take with a meal or snack if you experience stomach discomfort.