Khat

Khat/Drug Interactions:

  • Ampicillin/AmoxicillinAmpicillin/Amoxicillin: A study examined the effect of khat chewing on ampicillin and amoxicillin bioavailability following the administration of a 500mg single dose of each antibiotic at different times relative to khat chewing. It was concluded that the two antibiotics, particularly ampicillin, should be taken two hours after khat chewing (26).
  • Antiadrenergic agentsAntiadrenergic agents: Sympathomimetic effects of khat such as mydriasis and hypertension may be antagonized by antiadrenergic drugs including clonidine, reserpine, or terazosin.
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: Theoretically, khat may antagonize the effects of these drugs. Khat has been reported to cause an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12).
  • Beta blockersBeta blockers: Theoretically, khat may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects if taken with beta-blockers.
  • BromocriptineBromocriptine: Khat addiction was successfully treated with bromocriptine (3). A dose of 1.25mg every six hours, which was titrated downward over four weeks, was used in one case (4).
  • CNS stimulantsCNS stimulants: Khat may cause CNS stimulation and use with other CNS stimulants may lead to additive effects. Stimulant and amphetamine-like effects are likely due to the phenylalkylamine alkaloid cathinone (5).
  • MAOIsMAOIs: Theoretically, concurrent use of khat with MAOIs may cause hypertensive crisis.
  • Tricyclic antidepressantsTricyclic antidepressants: Theoretically, khat may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects if taken with tricyclic antidepressants.

    • Khat/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • Antihypertensive herbs and supplementsAntihypertensive herbs and supplements: Theoretically, khat may antagonize the effects of antihypertensive herbs/supplements. Khat has been reported to cause an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12).
  • MAOI herbs and supplementsMAOI herbs and supplements: Theoretically, concurrent use of khat with MAOIs may cause hypertensive crisis.
  • Stimulant herbs and supplements (e.g. guarana, ephedra)Stimulant herbs and supplements (e.g. guarana, ephedra): Theoretically, khat may increase the stimulant effects if taken with stimulant herbs and supplements.

    • Khat/Food/Drink Interactions:

  • Coffee/teaCoffee/tea: Foods containing caffeine taken in combination with khat may increase cardiovascular or psychiatric adverse effects.

    • Khat/Lab Interactions:

  • Insufficient available evidence.