Herbs for Metabolism and Sinus with Drugs for Heart and Gastric Acid
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Di
Posted on: September 22, 2000

My doctor just put me on Lisinopril (Zestril/Prinivil) and I had been taking Metabo Right, Clear Breathing and gingko (he also gave me Zantac and calcium). They will not talk to you about herbs and I was wondering if it would be safe to continue to take these with this new medication. Thanks in advance as the info would be greatly appreciated as I would like to continue with these but not if they will hurt me.

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to dilate the blood vessels, for use in heart problems. It should not be used with diuretics. Zantac inhibits gastric acid, by blocking histamine H2 which stimulates gastric acid. It is used in peptic ulcers and gastrointestinal reflux.

Your breathing and metabolism supplements contain a combination of vitamins and herbs, including Chinese herbs that I am not familiar with, so I can’t comment on these. Because the metabolism supplement is used for weight loss, it is possible that it contains diuretic herbs.

Ginkgo promotes blood circulation to peripheral parts of the body, such as the head and legs. Its actions includes dilation of the blood vessels. With the lisinopril also promoting blood vessel dilation, you may have too much vasodilation, which may be noticeable by a headache or dizzy feeling. Common side effects of zantac include confusion, dizziness and headache. I suggest that you stop the Ginkgo so that you know whether you are getting any side effects from the drugs.

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