dandelion

Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you

• have gallbladder problems,
• have diabetes or if you take medicine to control blood sugar levels,
• take a diuretic (water pill), or
• take an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin).

You may not be able to take dandelion, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Dandelion has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of dandelion may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

The use of dandelion in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Dandelion is also known as Taraxacum officinale, lion's tooth, blowball, cankerwort, priest's crown, swine snout, and wild endive.

Dandelion has been used for its nutritional value as well as for water retention, regulation of blood glucose, upset stomach, urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder stones, liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite.

Dandelion has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of dandelion may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Dandelion may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you

• have gallbladder problems,
• have diabetes or if you take medicine to control blood sugar levels,
• take a diuretic (water pill), or
• take an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin).

You may not be able to take dandelion, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Also, before taking dandelion, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants) or if you have any other medical conditions or take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Dandelion may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether dandelion will harm an unborn baby.

Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether dandelion will harm a nursing infant.

There is no information available regarding the use of dandelion by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

The use of dandelion in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take dandelion, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Take the pill forms of dandelion with a full glass of water.

To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of dandelion with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Some forms of dandelion can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of dandelion at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of dandelion.

Store dandelion as directed on the package. In general, dandelion should be protected from light and moisture.

No information is available regarding a missed dose of dandelion. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a dandelion overdose are not known.

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking dandelion, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.

Although rare, allergic reactions to dandelion may occur. Stop taking dandelion and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Other less serious side effects have also been reported with the use of dandelion. Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you experience

• stomach upset or heartburn, or
• a rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you take

• a medicine to treat diabetes or to control blood sugar levels such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), tolbutamide (Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), acarbose (Precose), troglitazone (Rezulin), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others;
• a diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), torsemide (Demadex), spironolactone (Aldactone), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), amiloride (Midamor), and others; or
• an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin).

You may not be able to take dandelion, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Interactions between dandelion and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements may also occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking dandelion if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.

Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about dandelion.