Alfalfa

Alfalfa is an herbal supplement which can be used as treatment for asthma, arthritis, diabetes, excessive production of urine (diuresis), high cholesterol, indigestion, and excessive bruising or bleeding (thrombocytopenic purpura).

• Alfalfa is also a source of vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as a source for minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus and iron.
• Alfalfa may be effective in the treatment of inability to break down lipids or fats in your body, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides (type II hyperlipoproteinemia) as it decreases the absorption of cholesterol.
• Alfalfa is available under the following different brand names: Medicago sativa.

Suggested Dosing

• 5-10 grams orally three times per day

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• There are no special considerations

Side effects of alfalfa include:

• sun sensitivity
• lack of red cells, white cells, and platelets in the blood (from ground alfalfa seeds)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Alfalfa has no known severe interactions with any drugs.
• Alfalfa has no known serious interactions with any drugs.
• Alfalfa has moderate interactions with at least 72 different drugs.
• Mild Interactions of Alfalfa include:
  • anamu
  • chlorpromazine
  • danshen
  • devil's claw
  • mestranol
  • vitamin e

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

• Avoid use prior to surgery as alfalfa may cause bleeding.
• The above-ground portion of alfalfa may be safer than the seeds.
• This medication contains alfalfa. Do not take Medicago sativa if you are allergic to alfalfa or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• hypersensitivity
• Avoid use prior to surgery as alfalfa may cause bleeding
• Effects of Drug Abuse
• No information available
• Short-Term Effects
• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Alfalfa?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Alfalfa?"

Cautions

• The above-ground portion is safer for use than the seeds.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• There is no information available on the use of alfalfa during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Consult your physician.