LIK-e-rish

Therapeutic Classification: antiulcer agents

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.

• Dyspepsia.

• Licorice blocks the metabolism of prostaglandins E and F2 alpha and may accelerate peptic ulcer healing. Licorice root also has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, laxative and soothing properties.

• Improved symptoms of dyspepsia.

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity.
• Pregnancy and lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

• Congestive heart failure.
• Hypertension.
• Renal disease.
• Hypokalemia.
• Consumption of 30 grams/day or more for several wk can cause severe adverse events.

CV: arrhythmias, hypertension.

Endo: decreased serum testosterone, hyperparathyroidism, pseudohyperaldosteronism.

F and E: hypokalemia, sodium and water retention.

GI: nausea, vomiting.

GU: acute renal failure.

MS: muscle weakness.

Neuro: headache, lethargy.

Natural-Drug Products:

• ↑risk of cardiotoxicity with cardiac glycosides.
• ↓effectiveness of antihypertensives.
• ↑potassium loss with potassium-depleting diuretics.
• ↑metabolism and ↓ levels of warfarin.

Natural-Natural Products:

• Licorice causes potassium depletion which may increase the risk of cardiotoxicity withcardiac glycoside-containing herbs (digitalis)
• Additive potassium depletion can occur with stimulant laxative herbs (senna).

• PO (Adults): Dyspepsia: 1 mL three times daily (Iberogast — combination product with other herbs) for 4 weeks.

• Liquid extract: Tablets: Capsules: ;

• Assess GI function (bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and usual pattern of bowel function) before and periodically during therapy.
• Monitor BP and ECG periodically during prolonged therapy.

• Monitor 17–hydroxyprogesterone concentrations, electrolytes, LDH, lipid profile, liver function tests, plasma renin, renal function test, and testosterone periodically during therapy.

• PO: Administration should be limited to 4 wks.

• Instruct patient to take as directed.
• Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

• Reduction in dyspepsia.

Glycyrrhiza glabra, deglycyrrhized licorice (DGL), sweet root