Overview
There are four different types of calamus. Some contain a cancer-causing chemical called beta-asarone. The North American and European varieties contain little to no beta-asarone, but others contain up to 96%. It also contains chemicals that might reduce pain and help fight infections.
People use calamus for asthma, cancer, depression, diabetes, headache, stomach ulcers, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using calamus can also be unsafe.
The US FDA banned calamus in 1968 due to some species containing the cancer-causing chemical beta-asarone.
Uses & Effectiveness
We currently have no information for CALAMUS overview.
Side Effects
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if calamus is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if calamus is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Calamus is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Avoid use.
Heart conditions: Calamus might lower blood pressure and heart rate. Taking large amounts of calamus might worsen heart problems in some people with heart conditions.
Surgery: Calamus can affect the central nervous system. It might cause too much sleepiness if combined with medications used during and after surgery. Stop using calamus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Medications for depression (MAOIs) interacts with CALAMUS
Calamus contains a chemical that affects the body. This chemical might increase the side effects of some medications used for depression.
Some common MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with CALAMUS
Calamus might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking calamus with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with CALAMUS
Calamus can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a big part in many important body functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine in the body. Taking calamus might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CALAMUS
Calamus might lower blood pressure. Taking calamus along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs) interacts with CALAMUS
Calamus can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking calamus with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with CALAMUS
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Calamus might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with CALAMUS
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Calamus might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Antacids interacts with CALAMUS
Antacids are used to decrease stomach acid. Calamus can increase stomach acid. Taking calamus might decrease the effects of antacids.
Medications that decrease stomach acid (H2-blockers) interacts with CALAMUS
H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acid. Calamus can increase stomach acid. Taking calamus might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
Some common H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid).Medications that decrease stomach acid (Proton pump inhibitors) interacts with CALAMUS
Proton pump inhibitors are used to decrease stomach acid. Calamus can increase stomach acid. Taking calamus might decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors.
Some common proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Dosing
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.