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Cardec DM® is a combination drug containing carbinoxamine (an antihistamine similar to diphenhydramine) plus pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan. It is used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold and hay fever.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the medication in the body. | Tannin-containing herbs* such as green tea, black tea, uva ursi, black walnut, red raspberry, oak, and witch hazel |
| Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. | Caffeine Ephedra |
 Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. | Vitamin C |
| Depletion or interference | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Ephedra
Ephedra is the plant from which ephedrine was originally isolated. Until 2004, ephedra—also called ma huang—was used in many herbal products including supplements promoted for weight loss. To prevent potentially serious interactions, people taking Cardec DM should avoid using ephedra-containing drug products and should read product labels carefully for ma huang or ephedra content. Native North American ephedra, sometimes called Mormon tea, contains no ephedrine.
Tannin-containing herbs
Tannins are a group of unrelated chemicals that give plants an astringent taste. Herbs containing high amounts of tannins may interfere with the absorption of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine taken by mouth.1 Herbs containing high levels of tannins include green tea, black tea, uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), black walnut (Juglans nigra),red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), oak (Quercus spp.), and witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol while taking carbinoxamine can result in enhanced side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.2 Consequently, people who are taking Cardec DM should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, especially when staying alert is necessary.
Food
Foods that acidify the urine may increase the elimination of ephedrine from the body, potentially reducing the action of the drug.3 Urine-acidifying foods include eggs, peanuts, meat, chicken, vitamin C (greater than 5 grams per day), wheat-containing foods, and others.
Foods that alkalinize the urine may slow the elimination of ephedrine from the body, potentially increasing the actions and side effects of the drug.4 Urine-alkalinizing foods include dairy products, nuts, vegetables (except corn and lentils), most fruits, and others.
Caffeine
Caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, guaraná (Paullinia cupana), and some nonprescription and supplement products, can amplify the side effects of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. People should avoid combination products containing ephedrine/pseudoephedrine/ephedra and caffeine.
1. Brinker F. Interactions of pharmaceutical and botanical medicines. J Naturopathic Med 1997;7(2):14–20.
2. Olin BR, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Antihistamines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 964–79.
3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 105.
4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 105–6.
Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
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Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.
