Which medications should not be taken with cod liver oil?

Feb 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
Fish liver oil should not be taken with medications such as isotretinoin soft capsules, carbamazepine tablets, phenobarbital tablets, dexamethasone acetate tablets, and cyclosporine soft capsules. Fish liver oil is rich in vitamin A, and isotretinoin soft capsules are also derivatives of vitamin A. Taking them together may cause excessive accumulation of vitamin A in the body, potentially leading to vitamin A toxicity.

Generally, cod liver oil should not be taken with the following medications: isotretinoin soft capsules, carbamazepine tablets, phenobarbital tablets, dexamethasone acetate tablets, and cyclosporine soft capsules. Details are as follows:

1. Isotretinoin Soft Capsules: Cod liver oil is rich in vitamin A, and isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. Taking them together may cause excessive accumulation of vitamin A in the body, leading to vitamin A toxicity, with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and skin itching.

2. Carbamazepine Tablets: Carbamazepine is an antiepileptic drug that can induce hepatic enzyme activity and accelerate the metabolism of vitamin D. When taken with cod liver oil, it may speed up vitamin D metabolism, lower its blood concentration, and reduce the effectiveness of vitamin D in cod liver oil, thereby affecting functions such as calcium absorption in the body.

3. Phenobarbital Tablets: Phenobarbital, as a sedative-hypnotic drug, can similarly induce hepatic enzymes and accelerate vitamin D metabolism. When taken with cod liver oil, it may increase the metabolic rate of vitamin D in the body, reducing its effective concentration and impairing vitamin D's physiological functions such as promoting calcium absorption.

4. Dexamethasone Acetate Tablets: Dexamethasone acetate is a glucocorticoid that antagonizes vitamin D's effect on calcium absorption, inhibiting intestinal calcium uptake and promoting calcium excretion. When taken with cod liver oil, it may weaken the effect of vitamin D in promoting calcium absorption, and long-term coadministration may increase the risk of osteoporosis.

5. Cyclosporine Soft Capsules: Cyclosporine soft capsules are immunosuppressants. Taking them with vitamin D in cod liver oil may increase the nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine. This is because vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, increasing blood calcium levels, and hypercalcemia may exacerbate cyclosporine-induced kidney damage, affecting kidney function.

During the use of cod liver oil, if other medications are required, consult a physician first to ensure safe medication use.

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