Food and medicine interaction
Garlic supplements and saquinavir, an HIV protease inhibitor
EstablishedEvidence level: established. Shown in drug labeling or in controlled studies in people.
Last reviewed
What can happen
In a controlled NIH study in 10 healthy volunteers, three weeks of garlic caplets cut saquinavir blood levels by about half, and levels had not fully recovered 10 days after stopping garlic.
- Why it happens
- Garlic supplements appear to increase gut metabolism or transport of saquinavir, lowering absorption.
- At ordinary food amounts
- The study used garlic supplements, not food. Cooking with garlic was not tested; ask your clinician if you eat large amounts.
What to do
If you take any HIV medicine, tell your HIV clinician or pharmacist before taking garlic supplements. Never change HIV treatment on your own; low drug levels can lead to resistance.
Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.
Common questions
Can I have garlic supplements while taking HIV protease inhibitors?
If you take any HIV medicine, tell your HIV clinician or pharmacist before taking garlic supplements. Never change HIV treatment on your own; low drug levels can lead to resistance. The study used garlic supplements, not food. Cooking with garlic was not tested; ask your clinician if you eat large amounts.
Sources
Related
- RemedyGarlic: the full evidence pageGarlic supplements have shown small drops in blood pressure in people with hypertension. The cholesterol and cold evidence is weaker, and supplements can interact with some drugs.
- Interaction · ProbableGarlic supplements and warfarin and other anticoagulants, aspirin and antiplatelet drugs