Echinacea

Echinacea is an herbal supplements which can be used as treatment for the common cold, herpes simplex infection (topical), immunostimulant, psoriasis (topical), upper respiratory tract infections (viral), urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infection, skin wounds (topical), and for skin ulcers (topical). The efficiency of echinacea has not been demonstrated in symptom reduction and prophylaxis of cold, flu, or upper respiratory tract infection. Echinacea is available under the following different brand names: Black Sampson, Black Susans, Brauneria Angustifolia, Brauneria Pallida, Brauneria spp., Echinacea Anustifolia, Echinacea Pallida, Echinacea Purpurea, Indian Head, Purple Cone Flower, and Red Sunflower.

Dosages of Echinacea:

Herb juice

• 6-9 ml orally daily or
• 20 drops per minute orally every 2 hours for 24 hours then continue three times daily

Crude herb extract

• 2 tabs (6.78 mg) orally three times daily

Echinacea pallida root tincture

• 900 mg orally daily

Herbal compound tea

• 5-6 cups orally on day 1, then decrease by 1 cup/day over 5 days
• No more than 8 weeks of continuous use

Topical

• Apply to affected area

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• None

Side effects of echinacea include:

• abdominal pain
• allergic reactions
• altered fertility
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• redness (topical use)
• skin rash accompanying fever (topical use)
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• itching (topical use)
• sore throat
• unpleasant taste

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.

Echinacea has no known severe interactions with other drugs.

Serious Interactions of Echinacea include:

• Beclomethasone, inhaled

Echinacea has moderate interactions with at least 28 different drugs.

Mild interactions of echinacea include:

• astragalus
• maitake

Echinacea has mild interactions with at least 69 different drugs.

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

• Do not use if hypersensitivity to Asteraceae/Compositae plants, chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds or ragweed
• Avoid use with autoimmune disorders, collagenosis/collagen disease, HIV/AIDS, leucosis, multiple sclerosis and tuberculosis
• This medication contains echinacea. Do not take Black Sampson, Black Susans, Brauneria Angustifolia, Brauneria Pallida, Brauneria spp., Echinacea Anustifolia, Echinacea Pallida, Echinacea Purpurea, Indian Head, Purple Cone Flower, or Red Sunflower
• If you are allergic to echinacea 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.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Do not use if hypersensitivity to Asteraceae/Compositae plants, chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds or ragweed
• Avoid use with autoimmune disorders, collagenosis/collagen disease, HIV/AIDS, leucosis, multiple sclerosis and tuberculosis

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

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

Long-Term Effects

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

Cautions

• Use caution with atopic conditions, concurrent use of echinacea and CYP 3A4 substrates as well as during pregnancy

Pregnancy and Lactation

• There is no known information regarding use of Echinacea during pregnancy or when breastfeeding
• Consult with a physician prior to use