Red Yeast Rice
May lower elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This may reduce the risk of pneumonia
Warnings: “Do not take alcohol while taking red yeast rice. Possible liver problems. Do not take red yeast rice if you are at risk for liver disease, have liver disease, or have a history of liver disease; consume more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day; have a serious infection; have undergone an organ transplant; have a serious disease or medical disorder; or have recently undergone surgery. Effects on pregnant and breast-feeding patients unknown. Not recommended for people under the age of 20.
Interactions:
Azole antifungals (fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole): Concomitant use of red yeast rice and an azole antifungal may increase the risk of myopathy.
Cyclosporine: Concomitant use of red yeast rice and cyclosporine may increase the risk of myopathy.
Fibrates (clofibrate, fenofibrate): Concomitant use of red yeast rice and a fibrate may increase the risk of myopathy.
Gemfibrozil: Concomitant use of red yeast rice and gemfibrozil may increase the risk of myopathy.
Macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin): Concomitant use of red yeast rice and certain macrolide antibiotics may increase the risk of myopathy.
Nefazodone: Concomitant use of red yeast rice and nefazodone may increase the risk of myopathy.
Protease inhibitors (amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir): Concomitant use of red yeast rice and a protease inhibitor may increase the risk of myopathy.
Statins (atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin): Concomitant use of red yeast rice with a pharmaceutical statin may increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Warfarin: Concomitant use of red yeast rice and warfarin may result in an increase in the INR as well as bleeding.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with red yeast rice. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Adverse reactions reported, included flatulence and heartburn.
Dosage: 2400mg see warnings. Take after a meal.