Question
Will my diarrhoea meds interfere with my ARVs?
15 September 2016. Related: All topics, Drug interactions, Side effects.
I’m taking ARVs and suffering from diarrhea… is it OK to take ercefuryl capsules with my HIV treatment?
Answer
Hi there,
Ercefuryl capsules contain an antibiotic called Nifuroxazide. Antibiotics are used to treat acute diarrhoea when a bacterial infection is detected or suspected.
I cannot see any interactions with between Nifuroxazide and ARVs but it is always best to check with your doctor.
If you have been suffering from diarrhoea for more than this episode then it is worth speaking to your doctor about what could be the cause. This question has more information on the possible causes of diarrhoea.
We also have a guide on diarrhoea and it’s management.
Hi Nikiwe, i-Base are always cautious to say any herbal formulas are safe because there are so few studies that look at drug interactions and because the contents of herbal formulas vary so much. The efavirenz in Atroiza has the potential to interact with many drugs, herbs and supplements.
Instead, we emphasise the consistent evidence from research that HIV medicines are so good that supplements are unlikely to make any difference – other than costing you money.
HIV meds (antiretrovirals) are the only proven way to reduce viral load and increase your CD4 count. There is no evidence showing that herbs or supplements have any impact.
I also reported your comment as a new question as we often get similar questions.
https://i-base.info/qa/14177
Can I use herbal formula with atroiza, its ingredients are eletherococcus senticocus,ginkgo biloba,sarsaparilla, guajava,mellisa officinalis,alchemilla vulgaris, discorea villosa tincture blend: Preservative: citric acid, methyl paraben.