Course Overview

We can predict potential drug-herb interactions. This course takes the basic pharmacology principles discussed in the Basics of Pharmacology course, including the ADME scheme and the therapeutic index, and applies them to understanding and predicting drug-herb interactions. In addition, recent areas of research related to interactions, such as p-glycoprotein and other transporters, will be discussed. The emphasis is on both the theoretical prediction and real world application of strategies for preventing and dealing with interactions. This includes a discussion about creating a Drug-Herb Interaction Matrix for determining an individual patient's risk. The template for the matrix will be provided as part of the course.

Course Objectives

• Understand how the basics of pharmacokinetics, including the ADME scheme, and pharmacodynamics can be used to predict drug-herb interactions
• Identify the risks involved with combining drugs and herbs
• Create a Drug-Herb Interaction Matrix for assessing individual patient risk and as a tool for communication

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 minIntroduction

15 min - 1.75 hrsDiscuss risk factors for drug-herb interactions, including pharmaco-kinetic and -dynamic aspects

1.75 hrs - 2.75 hrsDemonstrate how to create a Drug-Herb Interaction Matrix to facilitate risk assessment and patient communication

2.75 hrs - 3 hrsSummary