licorice

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

Dyspepsia.

Action ⬆ ⬇

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.

Therapeutic effects:

Improved symptoms of dyspepsia.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

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.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

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

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

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) .

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

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

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Liquid extract: TabletsCapsules

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

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.

Lab Test Considerations:

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

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

PO: Administration should be limited to 4 wks.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

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

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Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Indications ⬆ ⬇