The patient receives verapamil (Calan). The patient asks the nurse if it is okay to take herbal supplements with this medicine. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. "Using herbal supplements may increase your blood pressure too much."
2. "Herbal supplements are okay as long as you take calcium salts with them."
3. "Using herbal supplements may lower your blood pressure too much."
4. "Most herbal supplements are okay, but you should avoid St. John's wort."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Verapamil (Calan) should be used with caution with herbal supplements, such as hawthorn, because of the potential for additive hypotensive effects. All herbal supplements, not just St. John's wort, should be avoided. Taking calcium salts with herbal supplements will not affect the interactions with verapamil (Calan). Herbal supplements may lower, not increase, blood pressure.