- What is dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the side effects of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
- What is the dosage for dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
- Is dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
What is dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Taraxacum officinale is a plant. The above ground parts are used as natural herbal supplements and for many conditions. There is little evidence that it is effective for any condition. Taraxacum officinale contains chemicals that may increase urine production and decrease pain and swelling. Check with your health-care professional before using herbs or herbal supplements.
What brand names are available for dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
Dandelion, Blowball, Lion's Teeth
Is dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
No
What are the side effects of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
Side effects of Taraxacum officinale are abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, heartburn, increased heart rate, bruising and bleeding, excessive urination, and increased potassium levels (hyperkalemia).
What is the dosage for dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
There is no established dosing. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for each product.
Safe and effective use of Taraxacum officinale supplement is not established for individuals under the age of 18.
Which drugs or supplements interact with dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
: Taraxacum officinale should be used with caution with quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), and moxifloxacin (Avelox) because it may reduce the absorption of these antibiotics and may decrease their effectiveness. Check with your doctor before using this herbal product.
Taraxacum officinale may reduce the breakdown of some drugs by the liver, increasing blood levels of these drugs. Some examples include propranolol (Inderal), amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), and ondansetron (Zofran).
Taraxacum officinale contains potassium. If combined with potassium sparring diuretics (water pills) such as spironolactone (Alkdactone) there may be significant increases in blood potassium levels.
Taraxacum officinale may increase urine production, so it may affect how lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) may be removed from the body. Increased urine production can slow down lithium removal from the body, leading to increased lithium levels. Adjustments in lithium dose may be required.
Taraxacum officinale may slow down blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, Taraxacum officinale should be used with caution with medications like aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), enoxaparin (Lovenox), diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).

QUESTION
According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See AnswerIs dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known whether Taraxacum officinale enters breast milk. It should be avoided by nursing mothers to avoid harm to the newborn.
What else should I know about dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)?
What preparations of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) are available?
Taraxacum officinale is available as capsules, liquid extract, and tea forms. Concentration of Taraxacum officinale may vary from product-to-product due to multiple manufacturers producing various products. Products that contain Taraxacum officinale also contain other herbs.
How should I keep dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) stored?
Due to multiple manufacturers making different forms of Taraxacum officinale, storage requirements may vary based on individual manufacturer practices.
Latest Chronic Pain News
Daily Health News
Trending on MedicineNet
Summary
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, Blowball, Lion's Teeth) is a plant product that contains chemicals that may increase urine production and decrease pain and swelling. There is little evidence to support this, however.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Lower Back Pain: Symptoms, Stretches, Exercise for Pain Relief
Do you suffer from low back pain? Learn more about common triggers of lower back pain like posture, exercise, and spondylosis....
-
Chronic Pain Syndrome: Treatment and Management for CPS
What is chronic pain syndrome (CPS)? See causes, symptoms and treatment options including medications. Learn about pain...
-
Back Pain: 16 Back Pain Truths and Myths
Which mattress is best for back pain? Back pain conditions are very common. Learn the causes of upper and lower back pain. Find...
-
How Does Acupuncture Work? Benefits, Needles, Definition
What is acupuncture? How does acupuncture work? Does acupuncture hurt? Learn various acupuncture points, the definition of...
-
Back Pain Quiz: Test Your Back Pain IQ
There are numerous causes of chronic lower back pain and only one ailment gets more complaints. What is it? Quiz your knowledge...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Intestinal Gas (Belching, Bloating, Flatulence)
Gas (intestinal gas) means different things to different people. Everyone has gas and eliminates it by belching, burping, or farting (flatulence). Bloating or abdominal distension is a subjective feeling that the stomach is larger or fuller than normal. Belching or burping occurs when gas is expelled from the stomach out through the mouth. Flatulence or farting occurs when intestinal gas is passed from the anus. Causes of belching or burping include drinking too rapidly, anxiety, carbonated drinks, habit, and swallowing air. Learn about causes of intestinal gas, foods that cause gas and bloating, treatments that reduce excessive gas and soothe gas pain, and much more.
-
Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
-
Gallstones
Gallstones are stones that form when substances in the bile harden. Gallstones (formed in the gallbladder) can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. There can be just one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or any combination. The majority of gallstones do not cause signs or symptoms; however, when they do occur the primary sign is biliary colic. Symptoms of biliary colic are constant pain for 15 minutes to 4-5 hours, and it may vary in intensity; nausea, severe pain that does not worsen with movement; and pain beneath the sternum. Treatment of gallstones depends upon the patient and the clinical situation.
-
Arthritis (Joint Inflammation)
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout, and pseudogout.
-
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain)
Sacroiliac joint (SI) dysfunction is a general term to reflect pain in the SI joints. Causes of SI joint pain include osteoarthritis, abnormal walking pattern, and disorders that can cause SI joint inflammation including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment includes oral medications, cortisone injections, and surgery.
-
Cancer Pain
Cancer pain results from the tumor pressing on nerves or invading bones or organs. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can also cause pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, radiation, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques are just some treatments for cancer pain.
Treatment & Diagnosis

SLIDESHOW
Diet-Wrecking Foods: Smoothies, Lattes, Popcorn, and More in Pictures See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
MedlinePlus. Dandelion.
NIH. Dandelion.