Garlic

Garlic is an herbal supplement which can be used for coronary artery disease (CAD) (prevention), cancer (prevention), circulation (enhancement), Helicobacter pylori infection, high lipids in the blood (hyperlipidemia), high blood pressure (hypertension), immunostimulant, menstrual disorders, tick repellant, and fungus (tinea) infections.

There is some conflicting data on serum lipid reduction; overall garlic has been shown to be “modestly” effective in decreasing serum cholesterol.

Garlic is demonstrated to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Garlic is available under the following different brand names: Ail, Ajo, Allium sativum, Camphor of the Poor, Dasuan, Knoblauch, La-suan, Nectar of the Gods, Poor man's Treacle, Rust Treacle, and Stinking Rose.

Oral

Standardized extract

• 200-400 mg orally three times daily

Aged extract

• 600-7200 mg orally per day

Fresh

• 4 grams (approximately 1 clove) orally once daily

Topical (Liquefied raw Garlic or Extract)

• Apply to affected area three times daily

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

See "Dosages"

Side effects of garlic include:

• severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• skin swelling
• asthma
• bleeding
• pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• rash (topical use)
• diarrhea
• eczema (topical use)
• gas (flatulence)
• gastrointestinal irritation/burning
• gastrointestinal upset
• heartburn
• nausea
• vomiting
• stuffy nose
• hives

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, 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.

• Garlic has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
• Garlic has no known serious interactions with other drugs.
• Garlic has moderate interactions with at least 82 different drugs.
• Mild interactions of garlic include:
  • anamu
  • danshen
  • devil's claw
  • green tea

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. 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, concerns or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

• This medication contains garlic. Do not take Ail, Ajo, Allium sativum, Camphor of the poor, Dasuan, Knoblauch, La-suan, Nectar of the Gods, Poor Man's Treacle, Rust Treacle, or Stinking Rose if you are allergic to garlic or any ingredients contained in this drug
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Bleeding disorders, surgery within 1-2 weeks.

Effects of Drug Abuse

No information provided.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Garlic?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Garlic?"

Cautions

• Concurrent CYP 3A4 substrates, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal infection, inflammatory bowel disease

Pregnancy and Lactation

• No information is available regarding use of garlic during pregnancy.
• No information is available regarding use of garlic while breastfeeding.