What is Silymarin?
Silymarin (Milk thistle) is a flowering herb related to the family of daisies and ragweeds. It is native to countries in the Mediterranean. Silymarin is a standardized milk thistle seed extract containing a mixture of Flavonolignans (Silybum Marianum). This medication is a herbal supplement that allows the liver function to be detoxified and preserved.
Silymarin Uses
The medication is used for the treatment of Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis of the liver. Silymarin is an active concept obtained from milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum). It could protect liver cells from chemicals and drugs that are harmful. Apparently, it also has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impact. Milk thistle plant extract may improve the estrogen effects.
Silymarin Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Silymarin are:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Intestinal gas
- Fullness or pain in the stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Rashes and itching
Some of the serious side effects of Silymarin are:
- Back pain
- Bloating
- Dizziness
- Hair loss
- Indigestion
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
However, if you experience any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction, stop taking Silymarin acid and seek medical attention immediately: rash/blisters, itching, swelling, extreme dizziness and difficulty breathing. This is not a complete list of potential side effects. Contact the doctor or pharmacist if you experience other adverse effects.
Precautions:
Before using the Silymarin talk with your doctor if you are allergic to or it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using Silymarin talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Stomach ulcer
- Pain in abdominal
- Loss of appetite
How to take Silymarin?
The best doses of Silymarin are not yet established for any conditions. The consistency and active ingredients in supplements can differ widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. This makes the establishment of a regular dose very difficult. Ask for advice from your doctor.
For dyspepsia and biliary system disorders, one source suggests daily doses of 12 to 15 g of dried fruit, while an extract containing 200 to 400 mg/day of silymarin is considered effective in various liver disorders.
Missed Dose:
If a dose of this drug is missing, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, however, skip the skipped dose and go back to your routine for daily dosing. Do not use double doses.
Overdose:
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Silymarin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Interactions
Silymarin can decrease how quickly those medications break down in the liver. The effects and side effects of some medications can be increased by taking silymarin along with some medications that are broken down by the liver. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking silymarin if you take any medications that are modified by the liver. Some drugs that are modified by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), diazepam (Valium), zileuton (Zyflo), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase) and torsemide (Demadex).
Storage:
Store it away from light and moisture at room temperature between 68-77º F (20-25º C). Brief storage is allowed between 59-86º F (15-30º C). Keep all medication away from pets and children.
Silymarin vs Lecithin
| Silymarin (Milk thistle) is a flowering herb related to the family of daisies and ragweeds. It is native to countries in the Mediterranean. | Lecithin supplements can also be used during breast-feeding to treat elevated cholesterol and digestive disorders and to avoid clogged milk ducts. |
| The medication is used for the treatment of Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis of the liver. Silymarin is an active concept obtained from milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum). | Lecithin is used to treat memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It is also used to treat gallbladder disease, liver disease, depression of some forms, high cholesterol, anxiety, and eczema, a skin disease. |
Some of the common side effects of Silymarin are:
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Some of the common side effects of Lecithin are:
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