Green tea is known for its health benefits, and many people make a point of drinking it daily, either as a beverage or in supplement form. However, what some may not realize is that its components can interfere with the effects of certain medications, either reducing their effectiveness or increasing their concentration in the body, which in some cases can lead to serious health complications.
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Below are the most notable medications that may be affected by green tea consumption, according to the science-focused website Verywell Health:
Warfarin
Warfarin is used to prevent blood clotting.
Green tea contains vitamin K, which can affect how this medication works, either making it less effective, which could raise the risk of clot formation, or increasing its effect to a degree that raises the risk of bleeding.
Nadolol
Nadolol is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and prevent chest pain. Some studies indicate that consuming large amounts of green tea may reduce the amount of the drug that reaches the blood.
In one study, drinking about 700 milliliters of green tea daily for two weeks led to a roughly 85 percent decrease in the amount of nadolol present in the blood, which could reduce its effectiveness in controlling blood pressure or chest pain.
Cholesterol-lowering medications
Green tea may also interfere with certain cholesterol-lowering medications, known as statins.
Research indicates that green tea may reduce the absorption of these medications by around 25 percent, which could affect their effectiveness.
For this reason, it's best to consult a doctor about the safe amount of green tea to consume when using these medications.
Raloxifene
Raloxifene is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis and can also be used to reduce the risk of certain types of breast cancer.
Research has shown that consuming green tea with raloxifene may reduce the drug's absorption, which could affect how effective it is.
Bortezomib
Bortezomib is used to treat certain types of cancer, including multiple myeloma and lymphoma.
Research indicates that green tea may reduce this medication's effectiveness, as it can interfere with its ability to destroy cancer cells.
For this reason, it is recommended to avoid consuming green tea during treatment with this medication, and to consult the treating physician for guidance suited to the individual case.
Tacrolimus
Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant medication commonly used to prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs. This medication requires precise dosage adjustment, as an elevated level in the body can lead to serious side effects.
Reports have indicated a possible interaction between green tea and tacrolimus, which could raise the drug's level in the body and increase immune system suppression.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction, and is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Some research indicates that green tea may raise sildenafil levels in the body, which could increase the likelihood of certain side effects, such as dizziness, headache, and facial flushing.
For this reason, a doctor should be consulted before combining green tea with sildenafil.
Resource: Al-Ghad.
