All-Grass of Common Andrographis — Safety & Interactions

Chuan Xin Lian · Herba Andrographitis

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy — animal studies demonstrate antifertility effects and uterine stimulant activity; absolute contraindication
  • Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold — extremely bitter-cold nature; contraindicated in Yang deficiency and cold-type conditions
  • Wind-Cold type respiratory infections — cold nature will exacerbate Wind-Cold patterns; use only for Wind-Heat or toxic heat patterns

Cautions

  • May elevate liver enzymes with high-dose or prolonged use — monitor liver function with extended courses
  • Allergic reactions reported including anaphylaxis and lymphadenopathy at very high doses — discontinue if rash or hypersensitivity develops

Drug Interactions

Drug Class / Substrate Mechanism Severity Source
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) — andrographolide inhibits platelet aggregation; increased bleeding risk (MSK)
Blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) — additive hypotensive effect reported; monitor blood pressure (MSK)
Aminophylline — may increase risk of side effects from this drug (MSK)
CYP450 substrate drugs — andrographolide modulates CYP450 enzymes; may alter drug metabolism and increase adverse effects; consult physician (MSK)
UGT 2B7 substrate drugs — may increase side effect risk (MSK)
Chemotherapy drugs — antioxidant effects could interfere with medication actions (MSK)

Pregnancy

Not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified practitioner before any use.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.