ginseng (Eleutherococcus and Panax sp.)-oral (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using this product: high or low blood pressure, fever, cancer, diabetes, heart problems, any allergies. Patients allergic to one type of ginseng should avoid taking the other types. Ginseng may lower blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients must monitor blood levels carefully while using this product. Liquid preparations 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 the safe use of this product. Ginseng is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product. It is unknown if this product is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, linezolid), antipsychotic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), other stimulants including caffeine-containing products (e.g., coffee, cola), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), anti-diabetic medicines, "water pills" (diuretics such as bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide). Check all nonprescription medicine labels carefully, especially appetite suppressants and cough-and-cold preparations, since many may contain stimulants (e.g., phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine). Consult your pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include trouble sleeping or swelling of ankles, feet, face, or hands.
NOTES: There are three types of ginseng: American, Asian (Chinese and Korean), and Siberian. Siberian ginseng is from a different species of ginseng and may have different effects. Because of the different types and grades of ginseng which vary widely in quality, and the addition of ephedrine and caffeine in some of the products, it is important to read product labeling carefully.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use 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-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist.
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
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