cod liver oil

Therapeutic Classification: lipid-lowering agents

Indications ⬆ ⬇

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

REMS

Hyperlipidemia
Osteoarthritis
Topical wound healing

Action ⬆ ⬇

Contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and vitamin D. Anti-inflammatory effects are due to inhibition of leukotriene synthesis. Decreases secretion of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) and increases VLDL clearance.

Therapeutic effects:

Decreased inflammation.
Decreased triglycerides.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

OB: Pregnancy and lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

Hypertension.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

GI: belching, halitosis, heartburn, nausea and diarrhea (high doses)

Hemat: bleeding (doses >25 mL)

Misc: vitamins A and D toxicity (long term use, high doses)

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

May ↑ risk of bleeding with anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents.
May have additive effects with antihypertensives.

Natural-Natural Products:

May ↑ risk of bleeding with clove, garlic, ginger, gingko, and ginseng.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): Oil: 20 mL dailyCapsules: One capsules 1 to 3 times daily with meals.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Oil: ^OTC
Capsules: ^OTC

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Obtain a dietary history, especially with regard to fat consumption.

Lab Test Considerations:

Assess serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels before and periodically during therapy.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

PO: Administer 3 times daily with meals.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Instruct patient to take medication as directed. Medication helps control but does not cure elevated serum triglyceride levels.
Advise patient that this medication should be used in conjunction with diet restrictions (fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, alcohol), exercise, weight loss in overweight patients, and control of medical problems (such as diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism) that may contribute to hypertriglyceridemia.
Emphasize the importance of follow-up exams to determine effectiveness.

section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇