Dandelion

Dandelion is an herbal medication used as an alternative medicine for treating tonsilitis, bladder infections, upset stomach, constipation, arthritis pain, and other conditions. 

• Dandelion is available under the following different brand names:  Blowball, Cankerwort, Cochet, Couronne de Moine, Délice Printanier, Dent-de-Lion, Diente de Leon, Dudal, Endive Sauvage, Fausse Chicorée, Florin d'Or, Florion d'Or, Herba Taraxaci, Laitue de Chien, Leontodon taraxacum, Lion's Tooth, Pisse au Lit, Pissenlit, Priest's Crown, Pu Gong Ying, Salade de Taupe, Swine Snout, Taraxaci Herba, Taraxacum, Tête de Moine, Wild Endive

Common side effects of Dandelion include:

• abdominal discomfort,
• diarrhea,
• heartburn,
• increased heart rate,
• bruising and bleeding,
• excessive urination, and
• increased potassium levels (hyperkalemia).

Serious side effects of Dandelion include:

• hives,
• difficulty breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,

Rare side effects of Dandelion include:

• none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Adult dosage

• There is no established dosing. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for each product.
• Safe and effective use of a dandelion supplement is not established for individuals under the age of 18

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Dandelion may have severe interactions with the following drugs:
  • angelica (dong quai),
  • capsicum,
  • clove,
  • danshen,
  • garlic,
  • ginger,
  • ginkgo,
  • horse chestnut,
  • panax ginseng,
  • poplar,
  • red clover,
  • saw palmetto,
  • turmeric,
  • willow,
• Dandelion may have serious interactions with no other drugs.
• Dandelion may have moderate interactions with the following drugs:
  • lithium,
  • an antibiotic, such as Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, Noroxin, and others,
  • a blood thinner or medicine to treat or prevent blood clots,
  • a diuretic or "water pill",
  • heart or blood pressure medication, or
  • a sedative such as Valium.
• Dandelion may have minor interaction with no other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• None

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Dandelion?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Dandelion?”

Cautions

• While dandelion is used as an herbal supplement, it may still cause drug interactions with other drugs or supplements. Always seek your doctor's advice before taking dandelion or any other drug or supplement.
• Do not administer to children under the age of 18 because its safety has not been established in children.

Bleeding disorders

• Dandelion might slow blood clotting. In theory, taking dandelion might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Ragweed allergy

• Dandelion can cause allergic reactions when taken by mouth or applied to the skin of sensitive people. People who are allergic to ragweed and related plants (daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds) are likely to be allergic to dandelion. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking dandelion.

Kidney failure

• Dandelion might reduce how much oxalate is released through urine. In theory, this might increase the risk for complications in people with kidney problems.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• It is not known if dandelion is safe to use in pregnant women. Consult with your doctor before taking dandelion if you are pregnant.

Lactation

• It is not known whether dandelion enters breast milk. It should be avoided by nursing mothers to avoid harm to the newborn.