fennel

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

Dysmenorrhea

Action ⬆ ⬇

Fennel contains volatile oils that may reduce inflammation.

Therapeutic effects:

Reduction in pain associated with menstruation.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO, Topical	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Allergy to carrot, celery, mugwort or other members of the Apiaceae family;
OB: Pregnancy;
Lactation: Lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

Hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast, uterine, and ovarian, as well as other conditions, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids, due to possible estrogenic effects;
Alcohol-containing products should be used cautiously in patients with known intolerance or liver disease.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: photosensitivity

GI: GI discomfort

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

May ↓ levels and effectiveness of ciprofloxacin; space administration times.
Alcohol-containing preparations may interact with disulfiram and metronidazole.
May interfere with effects of oral contraceptives, estrogens, andtamoxifen.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): Extract: 30–230 mg/day; Oil: 3–30 drops every 4–8 hr; do not use for >2 wk. .

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Extract: ^OTC
Oil: ^OTC

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess signs/symptoms of menstrual discomfort (pelvic cramps, low back pain, fatigue, weakness) before and during therapy.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

Administer without regard to food.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain the purpose and side effects of fennel.
Instruct patients that grow this herb not to confuse it with Hemlock, which may be fatal if ingested.
Inform patients that there is insufficient information to recommend use of this herbal supplement.
Advise patients not to use this herb for > 2 wk. Inform patients that the long term risks of this herb are not known.
Caution patients to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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Classifications ⬇

Indications ⬆ ⬇