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Phellodendron appears to be safe in adults when used short-term. The safety of phellodendron use for more than 6 weeks is unknown. In one study, one person experienced heartburn, shaking hands, sexual dysfunction, and thyroid dysfunction. Another person experienced fatigue and headache. But it is not known if these side effects were caused by phellodendron or some other factor.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's
UNSAFE to use phellodendron if you are pregnant. Phellodendron contains a chemical called berberine, which can cross the placenta and might harm the fetus. It's also
UNSAFE to use phellodendron if you are breast-feeding. Berberine can be transferred to the infant through breast milk and can cause brain damage in newborns, especially in premature newborns with jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowing of the eyes and skin due to bile pigments in the blood.
Children: Phellodendron is UNSAFE in newborn infants. It can cause brain damage, especially in premature infants with jaundice.
Interactions
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)Interaction Rating:
Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
The body breaks down cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) to get rid of it. Phellodendron might decrease how fast the body breaks down cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune). Taking phellodendron along with cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) might increase the chance of side effects.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)Interaction Rating:
Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Phellodendron might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking phellodendron along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking phellodendron, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), lovastatin (Mevacor), clarithromycin (Biaxin), indinavir (Crixivan), sildenafil (Viagra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others. *