Atenolol is a drug belonging to the category of beta blockers. These drugs work by slowing your heart rate and relaxing blood vessels to reduce the pressure on your heart. Atenolol is a conventional treatment for a range of cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, angina, ventricular tachycardia and congestive heart failure. Atenolol is only available by prescription, and if you are taking it, you should not stop without talking to your doctor.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal, of Hydrastis canadensis, is a perennial herb native to North America. Traditional healers use the roots and rhizomes to treat hemorrhage, bacterial infections, poor appetite, constipation and mouth inflammation. Goldenseal is a potent antibiotic, and its chemicals enhance bile flow and stimulate uterine contractions. Check with an experienced practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation before using goldenseal for medical problems.
Constituents and Actions
Active ingredients in goldenseal include the potent alkaloids known as hydrastine and berberine. Hydrastine can constrict blood vessels and contribute to increased blood pressure, according to Joe Graedon, MS, and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., in their book, “Dangerous Drug Interactions.” Berberine has the opposite effect. A study published in the December 2002 issue of “Vascular Pharmacology” found that berberine has hypotensive action. Consult your health-care provider before using goldenseal if you have any type of heart problem.
Herb-Drug Interaction
Since both hydrastine and berberine affect your heart and blood pressure, it is not safe to take goldenseal with atenolol. In her 2004 book, “Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements,” nurse practitioner Linda Skidmore-Roth states that goldenseal may increase the effects of anti-arrhythmic drugs and beta blockers, such as atenolol. She also advises patients with any type of cardiovascular disorder not to use goldenseal. “Dangerous Drug Interactions” says that taking goldenseal could complicate treatment for patients using beta blockers.
Other Side Effects
Goldenseal has several potentially serious side effects, according to herbalist David Hoffmann in his 2003 book, “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine.” It is a uterine stimulant and not safe to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may also interfere with vitamin B absorption. The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes several side effects of atenolol, such as hallucinations, hypotension, skin allergies and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
References
- Dangerous Drug Interactions; Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon
- Vascular Pharmacology: Effects of Berberine on Angiotensin-converting Enzyme and NO/cGMP System in Vessels
- Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements; Linda Skidmore-Roth
- Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine; David Hoffmann
- PubMed Health: Atenolol
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