Nattokinase Drug Interactions & Nattokinase Contraindications

Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from fermented soybeans that potentially benefits cardiovascular health. Can Nattokinase be used with other supplements?

Which substances can be combined, and which should not be used when taking Nattokinase? This article will also address considerations for using Nattokinase most effectively. Let's find out in this article.

Can Nattokinase be Used With Other Supplements?

You can use Nattokinase with other supplements.

One of the important applications of Nattokinase is its ability to dissolve blood clots.

Nattokinase is a serine protease enzyme derived from natto, a Japanese fermented soybean product. It has potential in treating cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease.

It is extracted from various sources, including bacteria and fermented products, and can be produced using recombinant techniques. [1]

Nattokinase may interact with certain medications and supplements as it inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a pump that affects drug absorption.

The P-gp inhibition of Nattokinase can increase the absorption of some drugs (P-gp substrates) used concurrently with it, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.

Drug Interactions of Nattokinase

Anticoagulant or Antiplatelet Drugs

When used concurrently with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel, or aspirin, Nattokinase may increase the risk of bleeding and potentiate anti-clotting effects. Prolonged use may lead to uncontrollable bleeding risk. [2]

Therefore, you need medical supervision when using Nattokinase with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.

Read more: Nattokinase vs Aspirin: Natural or Pharmaceutical Blood Thinners?

Blood Pressure Medications

Nattokinase may lower blood pressure. Therefore, using Nattokinase concurrently with blood pressure medications may worsen your condition. Consequently, it should be monitored and adjusted under the supervision of a doctor. [3]

Colchicine

Colchicine is used to treat and prevent flare-ups of gout, a condition that can cause pain, redness, and swelling in the joints.

P-glycoprotein substrates include apixaban and colchicine. P-glycoprotein substrates help protect our bodies from receiving foreign substances.

However, when combined with Nattokinase, they can increase the absorption of foreign substances into the body, as P-glycoprotein activities may be inhibited. [4]

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant. Methylphenidate with the active ingredient methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy.

A report from a patient indicated that when Nattokinase and Methylphenidate were used together, they experienced cognitive side effects.

When Nattokinase is combined with Methylphenidate, it can inhibit P-glycoprotein. As a result, there may be an increased risk of adverse effects when using both.

Vyvanse

Vyvanse is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults. It can also help treat moderate to severe binge eating disorders.

However, Vyvanse must be cleaved at specific peptide bonds to become active. Nattokinase can break such peptide bonds. Therefore, when using Nattokinase with Vyvanse, Nattokinase can increase Vyvanse's exposure to the body, making it more potent. You may experience symptoms such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, etc. [5]

You may aslo like: Can You Take NAC Nattokinase and Bromelain Together?

Contraindications of Nattokinase

Contraindications are cases where a medication should not be used. Despite its remarkable benefits, Nattokinase may not be suitable for everyone due to limited research on its safety and potential risks of adverse effects.

Some contraindications include:

• People with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant drugs
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 12 years old
• People with low blood pressure
• Contraindicated in all bleeding cases.
• People are overly sensitive to any ingredient in the product.

Tips for Using Nattokinase Without Interactions?

Consider the following precautions if you're concerned about potential risks when using Nattokinase.

First, inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking, including Nattokinase.

Next, adhere to recommended dosages of Nattokinase supplements during use and avoid exceeding them without medical supervision. You can also start with a small dosage to allow your body to adapt to Nattokinase, then gradually increase the dosage for optimal results.

Remember to monitor reactions and changes in your body when using Nattokinase, especially blood pressure and cardiovascular-related issues, such as bleeding.

Considerations Before Using Nattokinase

Before using any supplements, medications, or functional foods, you need to research and carefully consider their effects. Especially when you're using other drugs, you need to see if two medications interact with each other or not.

Specifically, now that you're considering using Nattokinase, you'll need to consider your medical history, all medications and supplements you're taking, and any substances you may be allergic to provide this information to healthcare facilities for the best diagnosis.

What to Do If You Encounter Nattokinase Drug Interactions?

If you experience the following symptoms: easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, or blood in urine or stool while taking Nattokinase, seek medical attention immediately.

Provide comprehensive information about all your medications and supplements to receive accurate advice.

Conclusion

In summary, Nattokinase is beneficial for cardiovascular conditions such as stroke, angina, and blood clots.

However, caution is needed when using Nattokinase, especially when combined with other medications. Before using it, discuss with healthcare experts to ensure safety and effectiveness.