Home > Medical Reference > Complementary Medicine

Disclaimer

Note: The resources listed in this guide are not intended to be fully systematic or complete, nor does inclusion here imply any endorsement or recommendation by The University of Maryland or the Center for Integrative Medicine. The University of Maryland and the Center for Integrative Medicine make no warranties, express or implied, about the value or utility for any purpose of the information and resources contained herein.

Possible Interactions with: Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

Interactions:

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use alpha-linolenic acid without first talking to your health care provider.

Blood-thinning Medications -- Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the blood-thinning effects of warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications, leading to the risk of increased bleeding. They should only be taken together under your doctor's supervision.

Cholesterol-lowering Medications -- Increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet may help a group of cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins work more effectively. Statins include:

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Fluvastatin (Lescol)
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Simvastatin (Zocor)
Pravastatin (Pravachol)

Drug Interactions:

Blood-thinning MedicationsCholesterol-lowering MedicationsCyclosporineNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Alternative Names:

ALA; Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

Reviewed last on: 6/25/2007
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Connect with UMMC

© 2011 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved.
UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System,
22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. TDD: 1-800-735-2258 or 1.866.408.6885