Meta Information
ID:huperzine-a
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/cholinesterase-inhibitors
Target name:
Other Cholinesterase Inhibitors (e.g., Donepezil, Rivastigmine)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining two drugs that inhibit the same enzyme (acetylcholinesterase) leads to an excessive buildup of acetylcholine, causing a high risk of severe side effects known as cholinergic crisis.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking Huperzine A with any prescription cholinesterase inhibitor.
Target id:
/intervention/galanthamine
Target name:
Galanthamine
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Both Huperzine A and Galanthamine are potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; taking them together creates a high risk of cholinergic crisis (severe nausea, bradycardia, muscle weakness).
Actionable advice:
Do not take Huperzine A and Galanthamine together.
Target id:
/class/anticholinergic-medications
Target name:
Anticholinergic Medications (e.g., Diphenhydramine, Scopolamine)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Huperzine A increases acetylcholine levels, while anticholinergic drugs block its effects, leading to opposing actions that can reduce the efficacy of both and cause unpredictable side effects.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using Huperzine A with anticholinergic medications as they counteract each other.
Target id:
/class/cholinergic-agonists
Target name:
Cholinergic Agonists (e.g., Bethanechol, Pilocarpine)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining a drug that prevents acetylcholine breakdown (Huperzine A) with one that directly stimulates acetylcholine receptors leads to excessive cholinergic activity and a high risk of severe side effects.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking Huperzine A with any cholinergic agonist medication.
Target id:
/procedure/surgery-with-anesthesia
Target name:
Surgery with Anesthesia
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
72
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Huperzine A can prolong the effects of certain neuromuscular blocking agents used in anesthesia (like succinylcholine), potentially leading to delayed recovery and respiratory complications.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue Huperzine A at least 3-5 days before any scheduled surgery.
Target id:
/class/beta-blockers
Target name:
Beta-Blockers
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Both Huperzine A (by increasing vagal tone) and beta-blockers can slow the heart rate (bradycardia); their combined use increases the risk of an excessive drop in heart rate.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before combining; monitor heart rate closely if approved.
Target id:
/intervention/digoxin
Target name:
Digoxin
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Both Huperzine A (via cholinergic effects) and Digoxin slow electrical conduction in the heart, increasing the risk of significant bradycardia or heart block when used together.
Actionable advice:
Avoid this combination unless specifically approved and monitored by a cardiologist.
Target id:
/class/nsaids
Target name:
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Huperzine A may increase stomach acid secretion, which can compound the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers associated with NSAID use.
Actionable advice:
Use caution when combining with NSAIDs, especially with long-term use or a history of ulcers.
Target id:
/class/choline-precursors
Target name:
Choline Precursors (e.g., Alpha-GPC, Citicoline)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Choline precursors provide the building blocks for acetylcholine, while Huperzine A prevents its breakdown; this combination can enhance cognitive effects but also increases the risk of cholinergic side effects (headache, nausea).
Actionable advice:
If combining, start with low doses of both and monitor for side effects.
Target id:
/intervention/dextromethorphan
Target name:
Dextromethorphan (Cough Suppressant)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Both Huperzine A and Dextromethorphan have weak NMDA receptor antagonist properties; combining them could theoretically lead to additive CNS side effects like dizziness or confusion.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and be aware of potential for increased dizziness.
Target id:
/condition/bradycardia-heart-block
Target name:
Bradycardia or Cardiac Conduction Issues
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Huperzine A increases vagal tone, which slows the heart rate. In individuals with pre-existing bradycardia or heart block, this can lead to dangerously low heart rates or syncope.
Actionable advice:
Do not use if you have a slow heart rate or any cardiac conduction abnormalities.
Target id:
/condition/seizure-disorder
Target name:
Seizure Disorder / Epilepsy
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
By increasing acetylcholine, a key excitatory neurotransmitter, Huperzine A may theoretically lower the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals.
Actionable advice:
Avoid use if you have a history of seizures or epilepsy.
Target id:
/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease
Target name:
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Cholinergic stimulation increases the secretion of stomach acid, which can aggravate existing peptic ulcers or increase the risk of their formation.
Actionable advice:
Avoid use if you have an active or recent history of peptic ulcer disease.
Target id:
/condition/asthma-copd
Target name:
Asthma and COPD
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Increased acetylcholine levels can cause constriction of the airways (bronchoconstriction), which may trigger or worsen symptoms of asthma or COPD.
Actionable advice:
Avoid use if you have asthma or COPD.
Target id:
/condition/urinary-retention
Target name:
Urinary Retention / BPH or GI Obstruction
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
By increasing cholinergic activity, Huperzine A can increase smooth muscle contractions in the urinary and GI tracts, potentially worsening symptoms of an obstruction.
Actionable advice:
Avoid use if you have a history of urinary or gastrointestinal obstruction.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The safety of Huperzine A during pregnancy has not been established, and its effects on uterine contractions and fetal development are unknown.
Actionable advice:
Avoid completely during pregnancy.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is not known if Huperzine A passes into breast milk or what effects it might have on a nursing infant; therefore, its use is not recommended.
Actionable advice:
Avoid completely while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
6
Hours after target:
null
Description:
As a cognitive stimulant that increases acetylcholine, Huperzine A may interfere with sleep onset or quality for some individuals if taken too close to bedtime.
Actionable advice:
Take your dose in the morning or early afternoon to avoid potential sleep disturbances.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking Huperzine A with food may help minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, which can be caused by its cholinergic activity.
Actionable advice:
Take with a meal if you experience any stomach upset.