What other drugs affect Calendula (Calendula officinalis)?
In early animal studies, high doses of calendula were reported to cause drowsiness. It is not clear if use of calendula on the skin of humans has this effect. In theory, use of calendula in combination with sedative drugs may lead to increased drowsiness. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. In early animal studies, high doses of calendula preparations were reported to lower blood pressure. It is not clear if use of calendula on the skin of humans has this effect. In theory, use of calendula in combination with drugs that lower blood pressure may lead to increased effects. Other possible interactions include increases in the activity of hypoglycemic (diabetic) medications or insulin, or agents that decrease lipids and triglycerides (cholesterol-lowering drugs.
