ECHINACEA (Echinacea sp.) - ORAL side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions. (original) (raw)

GENERIC NAME: ECHINACEA (Echinacea sp.) - ORAL

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Echinacea has been used for virus infections such as the common cold and flu. It is used to strengthen the immune system. It has also been used for returning vaginal fungal infections ("yeast infections") along with antifungal products applied to the vaginal area.Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the brand you use.The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE: Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Prolonged use may lessen the effects of this product. It is recommended that this product be used for no more than 8 weeks at a time.If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, numbness/tingling of the lips/tongue, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor.A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. Your risk of an allergic reaction is higher if you have asthma, frequent allergic reactions/skin rashes, or hay fever. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking echinacea, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to plants in the Asteraceae/daisy family such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: asthma, cancer, immune system problems (autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), infection with HIV or tuberculosis, organ transplant.Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. If there is alcohol in this product, it may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. (See also Drug Interactions section.) Limit alcoholic beverages.During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: drugs that affect the immune system (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone).If your product contains alcohol, do not use it in combination with metronidazole or disulfiram.This product may increase the effect of caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, certain sodas) or eating large amounts of chocolate.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications and herbal products away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

QUESTION According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

Related Disease Conditions

• Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) An upper respiratory infection is a contagious infection of the structures of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. Common causes of an upper respiratory infection include bacteria and viruses such as rhinoviruses, group A streptococci, influenza, respiratory syncytial, whooping cough, diphtheria, and Epstein-Barr. Examples of symptoms of upper respiratory infection include sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and nasal congestion. Treatment of upper respiratory infections are based upon the cause. Generally, viral infections are treated symptomatically with over-the-counter (OTC) medication and home remedies.
• Common Cold The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and sometimes a fever.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.