licorice
General
Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.
Pronunciation:
lik-e-rish
Trade Name(s)
- Glycyrrhiza glabra
- deglycyrrhized licorice (DGL)
- sweet root
Ther. Class.
Common Uses
Dyspepsia.
Action
Licorice blocks the metabolism of prostaglandins E and F2 alpha and may accelerate peptic ulcer healing. Licorice root also has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, laxative and soothing properties.
Therapeutic Effect(s):
Improved symptoms of dyspepsia.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Unknown.
Distribution: Unknown.
Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.
Half-life: Unknown.
TIME/ACTION PROFILE
ONSET | PEAK | DURATION | |
---|---|---|---|
PO | unknown | unknown | unknown |
Contraindication/Precautions
Contraindicated in:
- Hypersensitivity.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Use Cautiously in:
- Congestive heart failure.
- Hypertension.
- Renal disease.
- Hypokalemia.
- Consumption of 30 grams/day or more for several wk can cause severe adverse events.
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
CNS: headache, lethargy
CV: arrhythmias, hypertension
Endo: pseudohyperaldosteronism, hyperparathyroidism, decreased serum testosterone
F and E: hypokalemia, sodium and water retention
GI: nausea, vomiting
GU: acute renal failure
MS: muscle weakness
* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.
Interactions
Natural Drug Interaction
- ↑ risk of cardiotoxicity with cardiac glycosides.
- ↓ effectiveness of antihypertensives.
- ↑ potassium loss with potassium-depleting diuretics.
- ↑ metabolism and ↓ levels of warfarin.
Natural-Natural:
- Licorice causes potassium depletion which may increase the risk of cardiotoxicity with cardiac glycoside-containing herbs (digitalis)
- Additive potassium depletion can occur with stimulant laxative herbs (senna) .
Route/Dosage
PO (Adults): Dyspepsia– 1 mL three times daily (Iberogast – combination product with other herbs) for 4 weeks.
Availability
Liquid extract
Tablets
Capsules
Assessment
- Assess GI function (bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and usual pattern of bowel function) before and periodically during therapy.
- Monitor BP and ECG periodically during prolonged therapy.
Lab Test Considerations:
Monitor 17–hydroxyprogesterone concentrations, electrolytes, LDH, lipid profile, liver function tests, plasma renin, renal function test, and testosterone periodically during therapy.
Potential Diagnoses
- Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family/Teaching)
Implementation
- PO Administration should be limited to 4 wks.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Instruct patient to take as directed.
- Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
Reduction in dyspepsia.
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