Each tablet contains: Valerian standardized extract 100 mg • Vitamin B6 5 mg • Magnesium Gluconate 50 mg • Magnesium Oxide 50 mg. Other Ingredients: Base: Chamomile, Anise, Peppermint.
Brand name products often contain multiple ingredients. To read detailed information about each ingredient, click on the link for the individual ingredient shown above.
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Val Tran. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Val Tran. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Oral magnesium is safe when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 350 mg daily (7555). ...when used parenterally and appropriately. Parenteral magnesium sulfate is an FDA-approved prescription product (96484).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in excessive doses. Doses greater than the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 350 mg daily frequently cause loose stools and diarrhea (7555).
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Magnesium is safe when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 65 mg daily for children 1 to 3 years, 110 mg daily for children 4 to 8 years, and 350 mg daily for children older than 8 years (7555,89396). ...when used parenterally and appropriately (96483).
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive doses.
Tell patients not to use doses above the tolerable upper intake level (UL). Higher doses can cause diarrhea and symptomatic hypermagnesemia including hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia (7555,8095).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Magnesium is safe for those pregnant and breast-feeding when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 350 mg daily (7555).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY SAFE
when prescription magnesium sulfate is given intramuscularly and intravenously prior to delivery for up to 5 days (12592,89397,99354,99355).
However, due to potential adverse effects associated with intravenous and intramuscular magnesium, use during pregnancy is limited to patients with specific conditions such as severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. There is some evidence that intravenous magnesium can increase fetal mortality and adversely affect neurological and skeletal development (12590,12593,60818,99354,99355). However, a more recent analysis of clinical research shows that increased risk of fetal mortality seems to occur only in the studies where antenatal magnesium is used for tocolysis and not for fetal neuroprotection or pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (102457). Furthermore, antenatal magnesium does not seem to be associated with increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants (104396). There is also concern that magnesium increases the risk of maternal adverse events. A meta-analysis of clinical research shows that magnesium sulfate might increase the risk of maternal adverse events, especially in Hispanic mothers compared to other racial and ethnic groups (60971,99319).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive doses.
Tell patients to avoid exceeding the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 350 mg daily. Taking magnesium orally in higher doses can cause diarrhea (7555). ...when prescription magnesium sulfate is given intramuscularly and intravenously prior to delivery for longer than 5 days (12592,89397,99354,99355). Maternal exposure to magnesium for longer than 5-7 days is associated with an increase in neonatal bone abnormalities such as osteopenia and fractures. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that magnesium injection not be given for longer than 5-7 days (12590,12593,60818,99354,99355).
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Valerian 300-600 mg daily has been safely used in clinical studies in over 12,000 patients for up to 6 weeks (2074,3484,3485,4032,15018,17577,17578,19409,96242,103221)(104010,105718). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of valerian when used orally for longer than 6 weeks.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately, short-term.
Valerian 160-320 mg has been used with apparent safety in children under 12 years of age for 4-8 weeks (14416).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in doses that do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 100 mg daily for adults (15). ...when used parenterally and appropriately. Injectable vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an FDA-approved prescription product (15).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in doses of 101-200 mg daily (6243,8558).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in doses at or above 500 mg daily. High doses, especially those exceeding 1000 mg daily or total doses of 1000 grams or more, pose the most risk. However, neuropathy can occur with lower daily or total doses (6243,8195). ...when used intramuscularly in high doses and frequency due to potential for rhabdomyolysis (90795).
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately (3094).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately in amounts exceeding the recommended dietary allowance (5049,8579,107124,107125,107135).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive doses, long-term (3094).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
A special sustained-release product providing vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 75 mg daily is FDA-approved for use in pregnancy. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is also considered a first-line treatment for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (111601). However, it should not be used long-term or without medical supervision and close monitoring.
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive doses.
There is some concern that high-dose maternal vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can cause neonatal seizures (4609,6397,8197).
LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in doses not exceeding the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) (3094).
The RDA in lactating women is 2 mg daily. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of vitamin B6 when used in higher doses in breast-feeding women.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Val Tran. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Concomitant use of aminoglycoside antibiotics and magnesium can increase the risk for neuromuscular weakness.
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Both aminoglycosides and magnesium reduce presynaptic acetylcholine release, which can lead to neuromuscular blockade and possible paralysis. This is most likely to occur with high doses of magnesium given intravenously (13362).
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Use of acid reducers may reduce the laxative effect of magnesium oxide.
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A retrospective analysis shows that, in the presence of H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a higher dose of magnesium oxide is needed for a laxative effect (90033). This may also occur with antacids. Under acidic conditions, magnesium oxide is converted to magnesium chloride and then to magnesium bicarbonate, which has an osmotic laxative effect. By reducing acidity, antacids may reduce the conversion of magnesium oxide to the active bicarbonate salt.
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Theoretically, magnesium may have antiplatelet effects, but the evidence is conflicting.
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In vitro evidence shows that magnesium sulfate inhibits platelet aggregation, even at low concentrations (20304,20305). Some preliminary clinical evidence shows that infusion of magnesium sulfate increases bleeding time by 48% and reduces platelet activity (20306). However, other clinical research shows that magnesium does not affect platelet aggregation, although inhibition of platelet-dependent thrombosis can occur (60759).
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Magnesium can decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.
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Cations, including magnesium, can decrease bisphosphonate absorption. Advise patients to separate doses of magnesium and these drugs by at least 2 hours (13363).
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Magnesium can have additive effects with calcium channel blockers, although evidence is conflicting.
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Magnesium inhibits calcium entry into smooth muscle cells and may therefore have additive effects with calcium channel blockers. Severe hypotension and neuromuscular blockades may occur when nifedipine is used with intravenous magnesium (3046,20264,20265,20266), although some contradictory evidence suggests that concurrent use of magnesium with nifedipine does not increase the risk of neuromuscular weakness (60831). High doses of magnesium could theoretically have additive effects with other calcium channel blockers.
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Magnesium salts may reduce absorption of digoxin.
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Gabapentin absorption can be decreased by magnesium.
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Clinical research shows that giving magnesium oxide orally along with gabapentin decreases the maximum plasma concentration of gabapentin by 33%, time to maximum concentration by 36%, and area under the curve by 43% (90032). Advise patients to take gabapentin at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, magnesium supplements.
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Magnesium might precipitate ketamine toxicity.
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In one case report, a 62-year-old hospice patient with terminal cancer who had been stabilized on sublingual ketamine 150 mg four times daily experienced severe ketamine toxicity lasting for 2 hours after taking a maintenance dose of ketamine following an infusion of magnesium sulfate 2 grams (105078). Since both magnesium and ketamine block the NMDA receptor, magnesium is thought to have potentiated the effects of ketamine.
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Magnesium can reduce the bioavailability of levodopa/carbidopa.
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Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking magnesium oxide 1000 mg with levodopa 100 mg/carbidopa 10 mg reduces the area under the curve (AUC) of levodopa by 35% and of carbidopa by 81%. In vitro and animal research shows that magnesium produces an alkaline environment in the digestive tract, which might lead to degradation and reduced bioavailability of levodopa/carbidopa (100265).
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Potassium-sparing diuretics decrease excretion of magnesium, possibly increasing magnesium levels.
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Potassium-sparing diuretics also have magnesium-sparing properties, which can counteract the magnesium losses associated with loop and thiazide diuretics (9613,9614,9622). Theoretically, increased magnesium levels could result from concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics and magnesium supplements.
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Magnesium decreases absorption of quinolones.
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Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with quinolones and decrease their absorption (3046). Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, magnesium supplements.
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Sevelamer may increase serum magnesium levels.
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In patients on hemodialysis, sevelamer use was associated with a 0.28 mg/dL increase in serum magnesium. The mechanism of this interaction remains unclear (96486).
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Parenteral magnesium alters the pharmacokinetics of skeletal muscle relaxants, increasing their effects and accelerating the onset of effect.
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Parenteral magnesium shortens the time to onset of skeletal muscle relaxants by about 1 minute and prolongs the duration of action by about 2 minutes. Magnesium potentiates the effects of skeletal muscle relaxants by decreasing calcium-mediated release of acetylcholine from presynaptic nerve terminals, reducing postsynaptic sensitivity to acetylcholine, and having a direct effect on the membrane potential of myocytes (3046,97492,107364). Magnesium also has vasodilatory actions and increases cardiac output, allowing a greater amount of muscle relaxant to reach the motor end plate (107364). A clinical study found that low-dose rocuronium (0.45 mg/kg), when given after administration of magnesium 30 mg/kg over 10 minutes, has an accelerated onset of effect, which matches the onset of effect seen with a full-dose rocuronium regimen (0.6 mg/kg) (96485). In another clinical study, onset times for rocuronium doses of 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg/kg were 86, 76, and 50 seconds, respectively, when given alone, but were reduced to 66, 44, and 38 seconds, respectively, when the doses were given after a 15-minute infusion of magnesium sulfate 60 mg/kg (107364). Giving intraoperative intravenous magnesium sulfate, 50 mg/kg loading dose followed by 15 mg/kg/hour, reduces the onset time of rocuronium, enhances its clinical effects, reduces the dose of intraoperative opiates, and prolongs the spontaneous recovery time (112781,112782). It does not affect the activity of subsequently administered neostigmine (112782).
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Magnesium increases the systemic absorption of sulfonylureas, increasing their effects and side effects.
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Clinical research shows that administration of magnesium hydroxide with glyburide increases glyburide absorption, increases maximal insulin response by 35-fold, and increases the risk of hypoglycemia, when compared with glyburide alone (20307). A similar interaction occurs between magnesium hydroxide and glipizide (20308). The mechanism of this effect appears to be related to the elevation of gastrointestinal pH by magnesium-based antacids, increasing solubility and enhancing absorption of sulfonylureas (22364).
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Magnesium decreases absorption of tetracyclines.
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Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with tetracyclines in the gut and decrease their absorption and antibacterial activity (12586). Advise patients to take these drugs 1 hour before or 2 hours after magnesium supplements.
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Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with alcohol.
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Valerian has sedative effects (9894). Theoretically, valerian might have an additive sedative effect when combined with alcohol. Excessive sedation has been reported in an alcohol-abusing individual who took valerian and Gingko biloba (19426). However, the potential interaction between valerian and alcohol has been disputed in other research. Limited evidence suggests that a combination of valerian 160 mg and lemon balm 80 mg (Euvegal) does not cause further deterioration in reaction ability and reaction rate when taken with alcohol as compared to the effects of alcohol alone (19427).
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Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used with alprazolam. Also, valerian in high doses might modestly increase alprazolam levels, though this is not likely to be clinically significant.
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Valerian has sedative effects (9894). Theoretically, valerian might cause additive sedation when combined with alprazolam. Also, a small pharmacokinetic study shows that taking valerian extract 1000 mg daily (providing 11 mg valerenic acid) might increase alprazolam levels by about 19%. This might be due to valerian's mild inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) (13014). Despite being statistically significant, this increase is not likely to be clinically significant.
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Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
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Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
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Although some in vitro evidence suggests that valerian affects CYP2D6, clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies show that valerian is unlikely to affect the CYP2D6 enzyme (13014,13536,19430,19431). In one PK study, taking valerian 1000 mg (providing about 11 mg valerenic acid) nightly for 14 days did not affect the metabolism of dextromethorphan, a CYP2D6 substrate. In another PK study, taking valerian 125 mg three times daily for 28 days did not affect metabolism of debrisoquine, an accepted CYP2D6 probe-substrate (13014,13536).
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Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
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Although some in vitro evidence suggests that valerian extract might inhibit or induce CYP3A4, clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies show that valerian does not have a clinically significant effect on the CYP3A4 enzyme (6450,12214,13014,13536,19431). In one PK study, taking valerian 125 mg three times daily for 28 days did not affect metabolism of midazolam, an accepted CYP3A4 probe-substrate. In another PK study, taking valerian 1000 mg (providing about 11 mg valerenic acid) nightly for 14 days modestly increases levels of alprazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate, suggesting mild inhibition of CYP3A4 (13014,13536). However, this mild inhibition is unlikely to be clinically relevant.
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Valerian might weakly inhibit glucuronidation and increase concentrations of drugs metabolized by UGT1A1 and UGT2B7.
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In vitro research shows that methanolic valerian extract and valerenic acid might competitively inhibit UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 (UGT1A1) and UGT2B7 (81685).
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Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
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Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
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Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure (30859,82959,83093). Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine (83091).
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Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
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Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people (3046).
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High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
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High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Val Tran. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General
...Magnesium is generally well tolerated.
Some clinical research shows no differences in adverse effects between placebo and magnesium groups.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Diarrhea, gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, and vomiting.
Intravenously: Bradycardia, dizziness, flushing sensation, hypotension, and localized pain and irritation. In pregnancy, may cause blurry vision, dizziness, lethargy, nausea, nystagmus, and perception of warmth.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
All ROAs: With toxic doses, loss of reflexes and respiratory depression can occur. High doses in pregnancy can increase risk of neonatal mortality and neurological defects.
Cardiovascular
...Intravenously, magnesium can cause bradycardia, tachycardia, and hypotension (13356,60795,60838,60872,60960,60973,60982,61001,61031).
Magnesium sulfate may cause rapid heartbeat when administered antenatally (60915).
In one case report, a 99-year-old male who took oral magnesium oxide 3000 mg daily for chronic constipation was hospitalized with hypermagnesemia, hypotension, bradycardia, heart failure, cardiomegaly, second-degree sinoatrial block, and complete bundle branch block. The patient recovered after discontinuing the magnesium oxide (108966).
Dermatologic ...Intravenously, magnesium may cause flushing, sweating, and problems at the injection site (including burning pain) (60960,60982,111696). In a case study, two patients who received intravenous magnesium sulfate for suppression of preterm labor developed a rapid and sudden onset of an urticarial eruption (a skin eruption of itching welts). The eruption cleared when magnesium sulfate was discontinued (61045). Orally, magnesium oxide may cause allergic skin rash, but this is rare. In one case report, a patient developed a rash after taking 600 mg magnesium oxide (Maglax) (98291).
Gastrointestinal
...Orally, magnesium can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (1194,4891,10661,10663,18111,60951,61016,98290).
In rare cases, taking magnesium orally might cause a bezoar, an indigestible mass of material which gets lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. In a case report, a 75-year-old female with advanced rectal cancer taking magnesium 1500 mg daily presented with nausea and anorexia from magnesium oxide bezoars in her stomach (99314). Magnesium can cause nausea, vomiting, or dry mouth when administered intravenously or by nebulization (60818,60960,60982,104400). Antenatal magnesium sulfate may also cause nausea and vomiting (60915). Two case reports suggest that giving magnesium 50 grams orally for bowel preparation for colonoscopy in patients with colorectal cancer may lead to intestinal perforation and possibly death (90006).
Delayed meconium passage and obstruction have been reported rarely in neonates after intravenous magnesium sulfate was given to the mother during pregnancy (60818). In a retrospective study of 200 neonates born prematurely before 32 weeks of gestation, administration of prenatal IV magnesium sulfate, as a 4-gram loading dose and then 1-2 grams hourly, was not associated with the rate of meconium bowel obstruction when compared with neonates whose mothers had not received magnesium sulfate (108728).
Genitourinary ...Intravenously, magnesium sulfate may cause renal toxicity or acute urinary retention, although these events are rare (60818,61012). A case of slowed cervical dilation at delivery has been reported for a patient administered intravenous magnesium sulfate for eclampsia (12592). Intravenous magnesium might also cause solute diuresis. In a case report, a pregnant patient experienced polyuria and diuresis after having received intravenous magnesium sulfate in Ringer's lactate solution for preterm uterine contractions (98284).
Hematologic ...Intravenously, magnesium may cause increased blood loss at delivery when administered for eclampsia or pre-eclampsia (12592). However, research on the effect of intravenous magnesium on postpartum hemorrhage is mixed. Some research shows that it does not affect risk of postpartum hemorrhage (60982), while other research shows that intrapartum magnesium administration is associated with increased odds of postpartum hemorrhage, increased odds of uterine atony (a condition that increases the risk for postpartum hemorrhage) and increased need for red blood cell transfusions (97489).
Musculoskeletal
...Intravenously, magnesium may cause decreased skeletal muscle tone, muscle weakness, or hypocalcemic tetany (60818,60960,60973).
Although magnesium is important for normal bone structure and maintenance (272), there is concern that very high doses of magnesium may be detrimental. In a case series of 9 patients receiving long-term tocolysis for 11-97 days, resulting in cumulative magnesium sulfate doses of 168-3756 grams, a lower bone mass was noted in 4 cases receiving doses above 1000 grams. There was one case of pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis and one fracture (108731). The validity and clinical significance of this data is unclear.
Neurologic/CNS
...Intravenously, magnesium may cause slurred speech, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or headaches (60818,60960).
With toxic doses, loss of reflexes, neurological defects, drowsiness, confusion, and coma can occur (8095,12589,12590).
A case report describes cerebral cortical and subcortical edema consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), eclampsia, somnolence, seizures, absent deep tendon reflexes, hard to control hypertension, acute renal failure and hypermagnesemia (serum level 11.5 mg/dL), after treatment with intravenous magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia in a 24-year-old primigravida at 39 weeks gestation with a previously uncomplicated pregnancy. The symptoms resolved after 4 days of symptomatic treatment in an intensive care unit, and emergency cesarian delivery of a healthy infant (112785).
Ocular/Otic ...Cases of visual impairment or nystagmus have been reported following magnesium supplementation, but these events are rare (18111,60818).
Psychiatric ...A case of delirium due to hypermagnesemia has been reported for a patient receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate for pre-eclampsia (60780).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Intravenously, magnesium may cause respiratory depression and tachypnea when used in toxic doses (12589,61028,61180).
Other ...Hypothermia from magnesium used as a tocolytic has been reported (60818).
General
...Orally, valerian is generally well-tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Dizziness, drowsiness, and mental slowness. Other reported side effects include headache, gastrointestinal upset, excitability, and vivid dreams. When used chronically and abruptly stopped, symptoms of withdrawal such as tachycardia, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia might occur. Advise patients to taper doses slowly after extended use.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Several case reports raise concerns about hepatotoxicity after the use of valerian and valerian-containing multi-ingredient dietary supplements. Withdrawal from chronic valerian use has been associated with cases of cardiac failure and hallucinations.
Cardiovascular ...When used orally in high doses for an extended period of time, valerian withdrawal has been associated with tachycardia and high output cardiac failure in one patient with a history of coronary artery disease (3487). Chest tightness has been reported for an 18-year-old female who took 40-50 capsules containing valerian 470 mg/capsule (659). A case of severe hypotension, suspected to be due to vasodilation, hypocalcemia, and hypokalemia, has been reported for a patient who injected an unknown quantity of a crude tap water extract of raw valerian root (81734).
Dermatologic ...Orally, valerian might rarely cause a rash. A case of valerian-related rash that resolved after valerian root discontinuation was reported in clinical research (19422).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, valerian has been associated with increased incidence of gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain (15046,19406,19407,19422,110712). In one individual, taking 20 times the normal dose caused abdominal cramping (659).
Hepatic
...There have been several case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of multi-ingredient oral preparations containing valerian (8243,96241).
In one case report, a 57-year-old man presented with acute hepatitis after consuming a cold and flu remedy containing valerian 2 grams for 3 days; the remedy also contained white willow, elderberry, and horseradish. Although the use of the cold and flu remedy was discontinued one month prior to symptom presentation, the acute hepatitis was attributed to valerian root and treated with steroids (96241). It is possible, however, that some of these preparations may have been adulterated with hepatotoxic agents (8243).
Hepatotoxicity involving long-term use of single-ingredient valerian preparations has also been reported (3484,17578). Also, a case of a 38-year-old female with liver insufficiency and cirrhosis of a vascular parenchymal nature who developed hepatotoxic symptoms following valerian and ethyl-alcohol abuse has been reported (81697). Symptoms resolved and laboratory values normalized following intense plasmapheresis treatment. Another case of acute hepatitis characterized by elevated aminotransferases, mild fibrosis, and liver inflammation has been reported for a 50-year-old female who consumed valerian root extract 5 mL three times weekly along with 10 tablets of viamine, a product containing dry valerian extract 125 mg/tablet, for 2 months (81696). Because a variety of doses were used in these cases, and many people have used higher doses safely, these hepatotoxic reactions might have been idiosyncratic. Tell patients the long-term effect of valerian on liver function is unknown.
Musculoskeletal ...In a case report, combined intake of valerian and passionflower caused throbbing and muscular fatigue when taken concomitantly with lorazepam (19429).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, valerian might cause dizziness, headaches, fatigue, sleepiness, and mental dullness (3484,17578,19411,19422,81723,89407). The severity of adverse effects appears to increase with higher doses (19411). However, taking valerian extracts in doses up to 1800 mg does not appear to significantly affect mood or psychomotor performance (10424,15044). Valerian does not usually have a negative impact on reaction time, alertness, and concentration the morning after intake (2074,8296). Clinical research shows that a single dose of valerian root 1600 mg is not associated with any changes in sleepiness, reaction time, or driving performance within 1-4 hours after intake (96240). More serious side effects may occur when valerian is taken at higher doses. In one individual, 20 times the normal dose caused tremor of the hand and foot and lightheadedness (659). In a case report, combined intake of valerian and passionflower caused shaking of the hands and dizziness when taken concomitantly with lorazepam (19429).
Psychiatric ...Orally, valerian has been associate with reports of restlessness, excitability, uneasiness, agitation, and vivid dreams (3484,17578,19411,19422). Chronic use and rapid cessation can lead to withdrawal syndrome with symptoms of agitation, insomnia, and hallucinations (104003). There appears to be a trend towards increased severity of adverse effects with higher doses (19411). A case of acute hypomania has been reported for a 21-year-old female patient who took a valerian decoction in water each night for one month to treat subclinical anxiety. Symptoms included euphoric mood, rapid speech, and increased sociability and sexual interest. Following cessation of valerian use and treatment with quetiapine 100 mg daily for two weeks, the patient recovered (89405). In another case report, an 85-year-old male with mild cognitive impairment, major depression, anxiety, and chronic kidney disease presented to the emergency department with hallucinations, confusion, and agitation thought to be due to abrupt cessation after taking valerian 600 mg daily for about 6 months. The symptoms resolved in about 5 days (104003).
General
...Orally or by injection, vitamin B6 is well tolerated in doses less than 100 mg daily.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally or by injection: Abdominal pain, allergic reactions, headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, somnolence, vomiting.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally or by injection: Sensory neuropathy (high doses).
Dermatologic ...Orally, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been linked to reports of skin and other allergic reactions and photosensitivity (8195,9479,90375). High-dose vitamin B6 (80 mg daily as pyridoxine) and vitamin B12 (20 mcg daily) have been associated with cases of rosacea fulminans characterized by intense erythema with nodules, papules, and pustules. Symptoms may persist for up to 4 months after the supplement is stopped, and may require treatment with systemic corticosteroids and topical therapy (10998).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally or by injection, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, mild diarrhea, and loss of appetite (8195,9479,16306,83064,83103,107124,107127,107135). In a clinical trial, one patient experienced infectious gastroenteritis that was deemed possibly related to taking vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) orally up to 20 mg/kg daily (90796). One small case-control study has raised concern that long-term dietary vitamin B6 intake in amounts ranging from 3.56-6.59 mg daily can increase the risk of ulcerative colitis (3350).
Hematologic ...Orally or by injection, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can cause decreased serum folic acid concentrations (8195,9479). One case of persistent bleeding of unknown origin has been reported in a clinical trial for a patient who used vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 100 mg twice daily on days 16 to 35 of the menstrual cycle (83103). It is unclear if this effect was due to vitamin B6 intake.
Musculoskeletal ...Orally or by injection, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can cause breast soreness or enlargement (8195).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally or by injection, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can cause headache, paresthesia, and somnolence (8195,9479,16306). Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can also cause sensory neuropathy, which is related to daily dose and duration of intake. Doses exceeding 1000 mg daily or total doses of 1000 grams or more pose the most risk, although neuropathy can occur with lower daily or total doses as well (8195). The mechanism of the neurotoxicity is unknown, but is thought to occur when the liver's capacity to phosphorylate pyridoxine via the active coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate is exceeded (8204). Some researchers recommend taking vitamin B6 as pyridoxal phosphate to avoid pyridoxine neuropathy, but its safety is unknown (8204). Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) neuropathy is characterized by numbness and impairment of the sense of position and vibration of the distal limbs, and a gradual progressive sensory ataxia (8196,10439). The syndrome is usually reversible with discontinuation of pyridoxine at the first appearance of neurologic symptoms. Residual symptoms have been reported in patients taking more than 2 grams daily for extended periods (8195,8196). Tell patients daily doses of 100 mg or less are unlikely to cause problems (3094).
Oncologic ...In females, population research has found that a median intake of vitamin B6 1. 63 mg daily is associated with a 3.6-fold increased risk of rectal cancer when compared with a median intake of 1.05 mg daily (83024). A post-hoc subgroup analysis of results from clinical research in adults with a history of recent stroke or ischemic attack suggests that taking folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 does not increase cancer risk overall, although it was associated with an increased risk of cancer in patients who also had diabetes (90378). Also, in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, population research has found that consuming at least 8.6 mg daily of supplemental vitamin B6 during treatment was associated with a lower overall survival rate over 5 years, as well as a reduced progression-free survival, when compared with non-users and those with intakes of up to 8.6 mg daily (107134).
