Garlic and the strabismus surgeon

Abstract

Potential side-effects caused by complementary medicines are often not anticipated. A case is reported of bilateral retro-bulbar haemorrhages with elevated intraocular pressure during strabismus surgery that occurred as a result of odourless garlic tablet ingestion prescribed by a naturopath. A near-catastrophic event was averted with rapid recognition and medical treatment. This is believed to be the first such report of haemorrhaging in ophthalmic surgery induced by garlic. It is concluded that unregulated naturopathic prescribing is potentially dangerous; doctors need to ask specifically about naturopathic potions.

Adverse-drug-reaction related admissions to a hospital in Scotland

“…An association between the use of garlic and extended haemorrhage has been previously reported [17,18]. Garlic decreases the risk of atherosclerosis by reducing blood pressure and thrombus formation and has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation [18]. A synergistic effect between the ibuprofen and the garlic can be assumed.…”

“…Ibuprofen was associated with an episode of rectal bleeding, whilst a patient suffering from intracranial haemorrhage was known to take garlic capsules regularly. An association between the use of garlic and extended haemorrhage has been previously reported [17,18]. Garlic decreases the risk of atherosclerosis by reducing blood pressure and thrombus formation and has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation [18].…”

Garlic (Allium sativum L.): Adverse effects and drug interactions in humans

“…The patients stated that he had been taking odorless garlic tablet ingestion (prescribed by a naturopath) prior to surgery. On the day prior to surgery, she had consumed five tablets (approximately 5 g of an equivalent fresh bulb) [87].…”

Pharmacodynamic interactions between drugs and dietary supplements

“…18 Several case reports showed increased risk of bleeding in patients undergoing surgery. [20][21][22][23] The effect is even more pronounced with concomitant use of garlic with other oral anticoagulants drugs. Oral anticoagulant drugs have narrow therapeutic index and are consequently more susceptible to interactions.…”