astragalus

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

Prevention of common cold.
Allergic rhinitis.

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

None.

Use Cautiously in:

Autoimmune disease (may worsen);
OB: Safety not established in pregnancy;
Lactation: Safety not established in breastfeeding.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

GI: nausea

Misc: immunosuppression(with doses >28 g/day)

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

May ↓ effectiveness of immunosuppressants.
May ↑ levels and risk of toxicity of lithium.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Capsules: 470 mg

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Common Cold Prevention

PO (Adults ): 4–7 g/day.

Allergic Rhinitis

PO (Adults ): 160 mg of astragalus root extract twice daily.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Astragali Membranaceus, Membranous Milk Vetch

Action ⬆ ⬇

Has antioxidant effects. It inhibits free radical production, increases superoxide dismutase, and decreases lipid peroxidation. Astragalus potentiates effects of interferon, increases antibody levels of IgA and IgG in nasal secretions, and increases interleukin-2 levels.

Therapeutic effects:

Improved immune response.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: allergy, cold and cough remedies

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	unknown	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain purpose and side effects of astragalus with patient.
Advise patient to consider discontinuing astragalus prior to elective surgery, as it may ↑ risk of bleeding.
Advise patients with autoimmune disease to use with caution due to the immunostimulating properties of astragalus.
Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care provider before taking other medications.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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Indications ⬇