What is green tea?
The use of green tea 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.
Green tea is also known as Camellia sinensis.
Green tea has been used for stomach disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, to prevent dental cavities, to
lower cholesterol levels, as an antioxidant, to reduce cancer, and as a stimulant.
Green tea has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of green tea 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.
Green tea may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking green tea?
Do not use green tea without first talking to your doctor if you have
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heart problems or high blood pressure,
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kidney disease,
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an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism),
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an anxiety or nervous disorder, or
-
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or if you take a blood
thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine and may be problematic if
used by people with any of the conditions listed above. You may not be able to use green tea, or your
doctor or health care provider may recommend a lower dose or special monitoring.
Before taking green tea, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have
allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Green tea may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine.
Do not
take green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine, which may cause restlessness,
sleep disorders, and other effects in breast-feeding infants.
There is no information available regarding the use of green tea by children. Green tea
contains a large amount of caffeine, which may cause anemia and other problems in children. Do not
give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take green tea?
The use of green tea 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 green tea, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the
product.
Store green tea as directed on the package. In general, green tea should be protected from light
and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose of green tea?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of green tea. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about green tea?
Your pharmacist has information about green tea written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of green tea?
Although rare, allergic reactions to green tea may occur. Stop taking green tea 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.
Heavy and prolonged consumption of green tea may be associated with esophageal cancer.
Other less serious side effects have also been reported with the use of green tea. Talk to your
doctor or health care provider if you experience
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heartburn;
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upset stomach;
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loss of appetite;
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constipation or diarrhea;
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nervousness, irritability, or anxiety;
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sleeplessness;
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irregular heartbeats; or
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headache.
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 green tea?
Green tea has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of green tea 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 green tea?
The amount of caffeine consumed in other products should be monitored while taking green tea.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking green tea, unless otherwise
directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect green tea?
Do not use green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner
such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Interactions between green tea 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 green tea if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of green tea?
