Supplemets: 1. Saw Palmetto 2. Echinacea Locate an evidence-based article for these 2 supplements. Summarize the intended use, recommended dosage, side effects, and known interactions with over-the-counter and prescription medications. What if contraindications are identified for a patient with liver and/or kidney disease? Write 150 words for each supplement, include in-text citation and at least 1 Reference for each. APA style 7.
Saw Palmetto:
Intended Use and Recommended Dosage: Saw palmetto is a popular herbal supplement that is primarily used for the management of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate gland, which can cause urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and difficulty emptying the bladder. The recommended dosage of saw palmetto extract is typically 160 mg twice daily, although higher doses up to 320 mg twice daily have also been studied (Marks et al., 2000). It is important to note that the use of saw palmetto should be monitored by a healthcare professional, especially in patients with preexisting medical conditions or taking other medications.
Side Effects: Saw palmetto is generally well-tolerated, and side effects are rare. The most commonly reported side effects include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and transient (Wilt et al., 2011).
Interactions with Over-the-counter and Prescription Medications: Saw palmetto may interact with certain medications, including antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, and hormonal therapies. It may potentiate the effects of these medications, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, caution should be exercised when combining saw palmetto with these medications, and close monitoring is necessary (Andriole et al., 2006).
Contraindications for Patients with Liver and/or Kidney Disease: There is limited information available on the use of saw palmetto in patients with liver and/or kidney disease. Considering that the liver and kidneys are responsible for metabolizing and excreting drugs in the body, caution should be exercised when using saw palmetto in these patients. Close monitoring of liver and kidney function parameters, such as liver enzymes and creatinine levels, is recommended to ensure safety and efficacy (Gurley et al., 2005).
Echinacea:
Intended Use and Recommended Dosage: Echinacea is a widely used herbal supplement that is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. It is believed to enhance the immune system and reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. The recommended dosage of echinacea varies depending on the form and formulation used. For example, the recommended dosage of standardized echinacea extracts is typically 300-500 mg three times daily, whereas the recommended dosage of dried echinacea root is 2-3 grams three times daily (Barrett, 2003). It is important to note that echinacea should be used for short-term periods, usually no more than 10-14 days (Barrett, 2003).
Side Effects: Echinacea is generally well-tolerated, and side effects are uncommon. The most commonly reported side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea. Allergic reactions, although rare, have been reported in some individuals (Barrett, 2003).
Interactions with Over-the-counter and Prescription Medications: Echinacea may interact with certain medications, including immunosuppressive drugs and medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Echinacea may potentially reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs, and caution should be exercised when combining echinacea with these medications. Additionally, echinacea may affect the metabolism of certain medications, leading to altered drug levels in the body. Therefore, it is important to consider these potential interactions and consult with a healthcare professional before using echinacea in combination with other medications (Budzinski et al., 2000).
Contraindications for Patients with Liver and/or Kidney Disease: Limited information is available on the use of echinacea in patients with liver and/or kidney disease. In patients with liver disease, caution should be exercised as the liver is responsible for metabolizing drugs in the body. Similarly, in patients with kidney disease, the excretion of drugs may be impaired. Close monitoring of liver and kidney function parameters, as well as potential drug interactions, is recommended in these patients when using echinacea (Chavez et al., 2014).
In conclusion, saw palmetto and echinacea are two herbal supplements commonly used for specific purposes. Saw palmetto is primarily used for managing symptoms associated with BPH, while echinacea is commonly used for preventing and treating upper respiratory tract infections. When considering the use of these supplements, it is important to be aware of the recommended dosages, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications. Additionally, caution should be exercised when using these supplements in patients with liver and/or kidney disease, as the function of these organs may be compromised and affect the metabolism and excretion of the supplements and their potential interactions. Close monitoring by a healthcare professional is recommended to ensure safety and efficacy.