STAR OF BETHLEHEM Overview Information
Star of Bethlehem is a plant. The bulb of the plant contains chemicals that have been used as a medicine.
Despite serious safety concerns, people take star of Bethlehem for congestive heart failure (CHF).
How does it work?
Chemicals contained in the bulb of star of Bethlehem have an action similar to a prescription drug called digoxin.
STAR OF BETHLEHEM Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Heart failure. Individuals report that taking extracts of star of Bethlehem can improve heart function, decrease lung congestion, and decrease water retention in the legs. But a formal scientific study is needed to determine whether these benefits are typical.
- Other conditions.
STAR OF BETHLEHEM Side Effects & Safety
Star of Bethlehem is UNSAFE to use as a medicine. It contains powerful chemicals called cardiac glycosides. These chemicals are similar to the prescription drug digoxin. This product should not be used without close medical supervision due to potentially life-threatening side effects such as irregular heartbeat.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE to take star of Bethlehem whether you are pregnant or not. The cardiac glycosides in star of Bethlehem can cause harm, including death.STAR OF BETHLEHEM Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Antibiotics (Macrolide antibiotics) interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM
Star of Bethlehem can affect the heart. Some antibiotics might increase how much star of Bethlehem the body absorbs. Taking star of Bethlehem along with some antibiotics might increase the effects and side effects caused by star of Bethlehem.
Some of these antibiotics, called macrolide antibiotics, include erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin. - Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM
Star of Bethlehem can affect the heart. Some antibiotics might increase how much star of Bethlehem the body absorbs. Taking star of Bethlehem along with some antibiotics might increase the effects and side effects caused by star of Bethlehem.
Some of these antibiotics include demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin). - Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM
Digoxin (Lanoxin) helps the heart beat more strongly. Star of Bethlehem also seems to affect the heart. Taking star of Bethlehem along with digoxin can increase the effects and the risk of side effects of digoxin and star of Bethlehem. Do not take star of Bethlehem if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin) without talking to your healthcare professional.
- Quinine interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM
Star of Bethlehem can affect the heart. Quinine can also affect the heart. Taking quinine along with star of Bethlehem might cause serious heart problems.
- Stimulant laxatives interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM
Star of Bethlehem can affect the heart. The heart uses potassium. Laxatives called stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the chance of side effects from star of Bethlehem.
Some stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax), cascara, castor oil (Purge), senna (Senokot), and others. - Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM
Star of Bethlehem can affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart and increase the risk of side effects from star of Bethlehem.
Some "water pills" that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.
STAR OF BETHLEHEM Dosing
The appropriate dose of star of bethlehem depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for star of Bethlehem. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
