What is dandelion?
The use of dandelion in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Dandelion is also known as Taraxacum officinale, lion's tooth, blowball, cankerwort, priest's
crown, swine snout, and wild endive.
Dandelion has been used for its nutritional value as well as for water retention, regulation of
blood glucose, upset stomach, urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder stones, liver and gallbladder
complaints, and loss of appetite.
Dandelion has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of dandelion may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Dandelion may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dandelion?
Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you
-
have gallbladder problems,
-
have diabetes or if you take medicine to control blood
sugar levels,
-
take a diuretic (water pill), or
-
take an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin
(Coumadin).
You may not be able to take dandelion, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Also, before taking dandelion, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you
have allergies (especially to plants) or if you have any other medical conditions or take other medicines
or other herbal/health supplements. Dandelion may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether dandelion will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether dandelion will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of dandelion by children. Do not give
any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take dandelion?
The use of dandelion in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take dandelion, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Take the pill forms of dandelion with a full glass of water.
To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of dandelion with a dropper or a
dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Some forms of dandelion can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of dandelion at the
same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different
formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of dandelion.
Store dandelion as directed on the package. In general, dandelion should be protected from
light and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose of dandelion?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of dandelion. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about dandelion?
Your pharmacist has information about dandelion written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of dandelion?
Although rare, allergic reactions to dandelion may occur. Stop taking dandelion and seek
emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects have also been reported with the use of dandelion. Talk to your
doctor or health care provider if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about dandelion?
Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you
-
have gallbladder problems,
-
have diabetes or if you take medicine to control blood
sugar levels,
-
take a diuretic (water pill), or
-
take an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin
(Coumadin).
You may not be able to take dandelion, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Dandelion has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of dandelion may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking dandelion?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking dandelion, unless
otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect dandelion?
Do not take dandelion without first talking to your doctor if you take
-
a medicine to treat diabetes or to control blood sugar levels such
as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), tolbutamide (Orinase),
metformin (Glucophage), acarbose (Precose), troglitazone (Rezulin), pioglitazone (Actos),
rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others;
-
a diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ,
HydroDiuril, Microzide, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone),
furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), torsemide (Demadex),
spironolactone (Aldactone), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), amiloride (Midamor),
and others; or
-
an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin
(Coumadin).
You may not be able to take dandelion, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Interactions between dandelion and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
herbal/health supplements may also occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional
before taking dandelion if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of dandelion?
