7 Medications That May Interact with Green Tea

Green tea is popular for its potential health benefits, such as supporting cholesterol management and promoting weight loss. However, it is essential to be aware of possible interactions with medications you may be taking. Here are seven medications that can potentially interact with green tea, impacting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.

Warfarin

Warfarin is a blood thinner, and green tea contains vitamin K, which can affect how warfarin works. With warfarin being a narrow therapeutic index drug, the difference between a safe dose and a dangerous one is minimal. Drinking green tea may alter your international normalized ratio (INR), affecting blood clotting and increasing the risk of either blood clots or excessive bleeding. Consult your healthcare provider before combining green tea with warfarin to ensure safe and effective dosing.

Nadolol

Nadolol, a beta-blocker used for treating hypertension and preventing chest pain, can be affected by green tea. Consuming large amounts of green tea, about 700 mL per day, can reduce nadolol levels in the bloodstream by around 85%, diminishing its effectiveness. Before using or drinking green tea, talk with your healthcare provider if you're on nadolol.

Statins

Statins, commonly prescribed for lowering cholesterol, may interact with green tea. Specifically, green tea can reduce the absorption of Lipitor (atorvastatin) by about 25%, affecting its efficacy. This interaction may also occur with Crestor (rosuvastatin) and Zocor (simvastatin). Consult your healthcare provider about consuming green tea safely alongside statins.

Evista (Raloxifene)

Evista, used for preventing and treating osteoporosis and lowering breast cancer risk, may interact with green tea. It can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of raloxifene in the body. If you take raloxifene, check with your provider before consuming green tea or supplements.

Velcade (Bortezomib)

Velcade, a cancer drug used for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, may be affected by green tea. Green tea can hinder Velcade's ability to kill cancer cells, reducing its effectiveness. Avoid green tea during treatment with bortezomib and consult your healthcare provider for advice.

Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant used post-organ transplant, has been reported to interact with green tea. This interaction can lead to elevated tacrolimus levels, leading to increased immune suppression and potential side effects. Before consuming green tea, consult your healthcare provider if you are taking tacrolimus.

Sildenafil

Sildenafil, known for treating erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, may interact with green tea. Some research suggests that green tea can increase sildenafil levels in the body, potentially resulting in more severe side effects like dizziness, headache, and prolonged erections. Consult your healthcare provider before combining green tea with sildenafil.

Before adding green tea to your diet or supplement regimen, especially when taking these medications, consult with your healthcare provider to avoid interactions and maintain treatment efficacy and safety.