Echinacea ek-i-NAY-sha

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, purple coneflower, coneflower, black sampson, black susans, comb flower, snakeroot, red sunflower, scurvy root, Indian head, sonnenhut

What is echinacea?

Echinacea is an herb with narrow leaves and a thick stem. It can grow up to 3 feet high. The plant produces a single colorful flower. All parts of the plant and roots may be used medicinally.

What is it used for?

This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider. There may be other uses that are not listed below.

Echinacea has been used to:

• Prevent cold or flu or reduce the symptoms of the cold or flu.
• Prevent yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and genital herpes.
• Treat boils, abscesses, skin wounds and sores, eczema, psoriasis, herpes simplex, bee stings, and hemorrhoids when applied to the skin.
• Treat hay fever.
• Treat migraine headaches.
• Stimulate the immune system.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Echinacea comes in the form of extracts, tinctures, tablets, and capsules to be taken by mouth. It is also available in ointments and creams for use on the skin. Follow the directions printed on the product label or given by your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Do not take echinacea if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.

Using echinacea for more than 12 weeks in a row may make it less effective.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may have different strengths and effects. They may be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Other (when you take echinacea by mouth): fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, sore throat, dizziness, tingling or numb tongue, headache, trouble sleeping, dry mouth.

Using echinacea on the skin can cause redness, itching, or rash.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (Ery-Tabs, E.E.S.), and norfloxacin (Noroxin)
• antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and paroxetine (Paxil)
• antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox)
• anti-HIV medicines such as indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), delavirdine (Rescriptor), ritonavir (Norvir), and saquinavir (Invirase)
• caffeine
• heart medicines such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiamate, Tiazac), quinidine, and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin)
• immunosuppressants such as azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), tacrolimus (Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), mycophenolate (CellCept), and prednisone
• sedatives such as triazolam (Halcion) and midazolam (Versed)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.