Medicine interactions

Although aloe vera can be considered the miracle leaf for curing many skin problems and inflammations, you must be cautious before taking it alongside other medications or supplements. Always consult your pharmacist or healthcare expert before using supplements and medicines simultaneously. Consider the following interactions:

Major interactions with aloe:

Aloe latex when taken by mouth becomes a stimulant laxative that can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels increase the risk of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).

Moderate interactions with aloe

Certain studies suggest that aloe may decrease blood sugar. Because diabetes medications already lower blood sugar, aloe gel taken along with it may cause your blood sugar to dip too low. If you have diabetes monitor your blood sugar closely and keep in mind that your diabetes medications may need to be change (consult your healthcare expert). Some medications for diabetes that interact with aloe include:

When products containing aloe are taken by mouth, they act as a natural laxative. Laxatives can decrease how much medicine your body is able to absorb. Taking aloe vera products along with other medications may decrease their effectiveness. For this reason you should always consult your pharmacist before using aloe along with other medications.

Aloe latex also works as a stimulant laxative to speed up bowel movement. For this reason aloe latex or aloe products should not be taken along with other stimulant laxatives, as it may speed up bowel movement too much and cause dehydration and low minerals in the body. Some stimulant laxatives that interact negatively with aloe include:

Aloe should not be taken with water pills (Diuretic drugs) as it will decrease potassium in the body. Taking aloe vera along with water pills may decrease potassium in the body too much. Some of these pills to avoid using with aloe vera are: