Introduction:
Chamomile is a flowering plant in the daisy family native to Europe and Asia. It is commonly used for digestive discomfort and insomnia. Chamomile comes in capsule, liquid, and tea form.
Chamomile interactions:
Use of central nervous system depressant drugs: The use of central nervous system depressant drugs should be avoided when also taking chamomile (1). Chamomile may lead to additive sedation and central nervous system depression effects when taken with opioid or narcotic analgesics (2).
Chamomile and coumarin:
According to Pilote, R, chamomile may potentially increase the risk of bleeding from coumarin present in the herb. A case of multiple internal hemorrhage was reported by the author in a patient on anti-coagulation with warfarin and the use of chamomile tea and body lotion. Patients should be educated to avoid this herb while on warfarin. (3)
Summary and Conclusion: Chamomile
- Chamomile is an herb with mild central nervous system depressant effects (1,2) and contains coumarin (3), which should not be combined with sedative medications, narcotic analgesics, warfarin, heparin, other anti-coagulant agents or in patients with bleeding disorders.
References:
1.Abebe W. An overview of herbal supplement utilization with particular emphasis on possible interactions with dental drugs and oral manifestations. J Dent Hyg. 2003 Winter;77(1):37-46. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12704968
2.Abebe W. Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2002 Dec; 27(6): 391-401. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12472978
3.Segal R, Pilote L. Warfarin interaction with Matricaria chamomilla. CMAJ. 2006 Apr 25;174(9):1281-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16636327