Milk thistle has long been used to protect the liver. Its flavonoids fight against oxidation and inhibit inflammation of liver cells. This can go a long way to prevent damage to these cells and to promote their growth as well — at least according to the National Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. While this may not appear to have anything to do with hydrocodone, prescriptions containing a combination of this opiate analgesic and acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. Talk to your doctor before taking milk thistle or any other supplement to treat any conditions affecting the liver.
Medications
Medications containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen can lead to liver damage, particularly when they are taken in high doses. It isn’t, however, hydrocodone that poses the problem. Instead, it’s the acetaminophen. You shouldn’t ingest more than 4 grams of acetaminophen per day. Because many medications containing both drugs can consist of as much as 750 milligrams of acetaminophen per pill, it can add up quickly and lead to an overdose.
Milk Thistle
Silymarin — a flavonoid in milk thistle — appears to protect the liver against damage, explains the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It’s also said to repair damaged cells from toxicity, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Milk thistle has shown promise in improving overall liver function as well. These findings suggest that the herb may be of benefit while using medications containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen, such as Anexsia, Dolacet, Hydrocet and Liquicet, to name only a few. Most studies, however, have focused on its use with chemotherapy drugs as well as cirrhosis and hepatitis. Further research is needed to determine its benefit on hydrocodone/acetaminophen medications.
Dosage
Like many dietary supplements, milk thistle is not regulated like medications by the Food and Drug Administration, so dosages can vary depending on the brand. Most milk thistle supplements contain anywhere from 120 to 140 milligrams of silymarin per capsule.
Warning
Although generally considered safe, milk thistle isn’t without potential side effects. Most, however, are mild and involve the gastrointestinal tract, such as upset stomach and diarrhea. It’s also been linked to rashes, but this is from handling the plant itself. People with allergies — especially to chamomile, chrysanthemums, marigolds, ragweed or yarrow — should not take milk thistle, as it could lead to an allergic response. Not enough is known about milk thistle to advise women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to take this supplement, so avoid its use if this applies to you. Talk to a doctor before taking milk thistle for any reason.
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