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.
It is not certain whether scullcap is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Scullcap should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
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:
It is not known whether scullcap will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether scullcap passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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.
Do not take topical (for the skin) scullcap by mouth. Topical forms of this product are for use only on the skin.
Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of scullcap at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with scullcap does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking scullcap?
Drinking alcohol can increase drowsiness caused by 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?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using scullcap and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:
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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
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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:
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?
Taking scullcap with medicines that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Avoid taking scullcap with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
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.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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