Group: Health Supplements

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 102, Messages: 16613

Supplements can be a great aid with your health and fitness goals. Combined with the proper exercise and nutritional plan they can be quite effective.

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creatine and prescription drugs?

Luvthemtorts
Luvthemtorts
Posts: 190
Joined: 2005/02/16
United States
2005/04/13, 09:27 PM
Anybody out there take Creatine and a prescription drug/s?
I just received my jar o' Creatine and was cruising the net when I noticed it may interract with one of the medications I am on (Tagamet). Now I am scared to try it.
My Dr. is a nice enough fellow but is useless when it comes to questions of this nature so asking him is a moot point. I would like to get some real life feedback if possible.
If there are any Physicians out there who might be able to add their input, my medication list includes Tagamet, Zyrtec, Singulair, Atenelol and Clonazepam.
As always, thanks in advance!
Luvthemtorts
Luvthemtorts
Posts: 190
Joined: 2005/02/16
United States
2005/04/13, 09:29 PM
By the way, since Creatine occurs naturally in the foods we eat how could it possibly cause an adverse reaction when it is already present in the body?
A curious mind wants to know LOL!
Carivan
Carivan
Posts: 8,542
Joined: 2002/01/20
Canada
2005/04/13, 09:31 PM
I can't answer the question, but the best advice would be from your pharmacist.

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Scales are for dead weight: We are not dead yet!
Still trying to find out how to do the Hollywood Free Press.

Ivan

Montreal Canada
bb1fit
bb1fit
Posts: 11,105
Joined: 2001/06/30
United States
2005/04/13, 09:44 PM
Creatine is produced daily in your liver by the combination of 3 amino acids,Arginine, Glycine and Methionine.

I find it interesting that you found this information. I wasn't aware there were any "studies" done to determine things like this??

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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....

bb1fit@freetrainers.com
Luvthemtorts
Luvthemtorts
Posts: 190
Joined: 2005/02/16
United States
2005/04/13, 10:37 PM
I simply typed in "Creatine and drug interactions" and came up with many pages. One of them went so far as to say the interaction with Tagamet has been documented in at least one scientific journal.

So bb1fit, since it occurs naturally do you think the chances of interaction are slim? Is the Creatine Monohydrate the same chemically as the Creatine produced by the body?
I was so looking forward to the possible benefits of using the product but now I am quite scared to try it.

Carivan, will a pharmacist know what Creatine is since it is not a "drug" but rather a dietary supplement?
Thanks
Luvthemtorts
Luvthemtorts
Posts: 190
Joined: 2005/02/16
United States
2005/04/14, 02:23 AM
From an online drug interaction guide

"CREATINE (in Creatine Monohydrate) may interact with CIMETIDINE (in Tagamet)
A few case reports seem to associate the use of creatine with changes in kidney function. When creatine is taken at the same time as drugs like cimetidine, which also may affect kidney function, the risk of kidney damage may be increased. Signs of kidney damage are not always apparent but can include high blood pressure, itchy skin, extreme tiredness, chronic nausea, infrequent urination, and swollen ankles and legs. Any of these signs should be brought to the attention of a doctor as soon as possible. Inform your doctor before taking cimetidine with creatine or any other dietary supplement. Do not take more than the recommended doses of creatine and be sure to drink plenty of water with each dose. Ask your healthcare provider about these drugs and this potential interaction as soon as possible.
This interaction is poorly documented and is considered minor in severity."

Somehow kidney damage doesn't sound particularly "minor" to me. I guess I'll call the doc and see if I can possibly come off of the Tagamet.
Hope this gives some insight into those who use Tagamet for their occassional heartburn.

Carivan
Carivan
Posts: 8,542
Joined: 2002/01/20
Canada
2005/04/14, 10:14 PM
Yes he should know what Creaine is. Most pharmacies have a small supplement area. I'm not saying they know what to do with the supplements,but after all, the pharmacist orders his products for the shelves.

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Scales are for dead weight: We are not dead yet!
Still trying to find out how to do the Hollywood Free Press.

Ivan

Montreal Canada