scullcap (baikal skullcap)

What is the most important information I should know about scullcap?

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is scullcap (baikal skulcap)?

Scullcap is a plant also known as Baikal Scullcap, Chinese Skullcap, Escutelaria Asiatica, Huang Qin, Huangquin, Hwanggum, Ogon, Ou-gon, Racine de Scutellaire du Lac Baïkal, Radix Scutellariae, Scutellaire, Wogon, and other names.

Scullcap taken by mouth has been used to treat arthritis, lung problems, hay fever, seizures, HIV or AIDS, and hepatitis. Scullcap applied to the skin has been used to treat psoriasis, sores or swelling, and hemorrhoids. However, scullcap has not been proven with research to be effective in treating these conditions.

Scullcap is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Scullcap may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking scullcap?

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• diabetes.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. An injection form of scullcap given by a qualified healthcare provider is considered possibly safe when used in children for up to 7 days.

How should I take scullcap?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use scullcap, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra scullcap to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking scullcap?

Avoid taking scullcap with other herbal/health supplements that can cause drowsiness. This includes 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), calamus, California poppy, catnip, gotu kola, Jamaican dogwood, kava, melatonin, St. John's wort, valerian, yerba mansa, and others.

What are the possible side effects of scullcap?

• signs of swelling in your lungs --anxiety, sweating, pale skin, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, cough with foamy mucus, chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate; or
• liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness;
• fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect scullcap?

Do not take scullcap without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
• lithium; or
• a sedative such as Valium.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with scullcap, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Where can I get more information?

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