What is garlic?
The use of garlic in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Garlic is also known as rocambole, ajo, allium, stinking rose, rustic treacle, nectar of the gods, camphor of the poor, poor man's treacle, and clove garlic.
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What are the possible side effects of garlic?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to garlic have been reported. Stop taking garlic
and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction
including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects have also been reported. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if
you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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How should I take garlic?
The use of garlic in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. If you choose to take garlic, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
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What is the most important information I should know about garlic?
Garlic is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product. Garlic is also available as an herbal supplement. The information contained in this leaflet refers to the use of garlic as an herbal supplement. When used as a food product, the benefits and potential side effects of garlic may be less pronounced than when it is used as an herbal supplement. Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or diabetes, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat a blood clotting disorder or diabetes. Garlic has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of garlic. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.
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What other drugs will affect garlic?
Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: a medicine to control blood sugar levels such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Glynase, Diabeta, Micronase), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide (Tolinase), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), repaglinide (Prandin), metformin (Glucophage), and others; a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox, others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis), indomethacin (Indocin), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), and others;
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Do not take garlic supplements without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether garlic will harm an unborn baby. The amount of
garlic customarily used in foods is not reported to be problematic.
Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It
is also not known whether garlic will harm a nursing infant. The amount of garlic customarily used
in foods is not reported to be problematic.
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What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of garlic is unlikely to threaten life. Consult a doctor, hospital, or poison control center if you require assistance. Symptoms of a garlic overdose have not been reported.
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking garlic?
Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or diabetes, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat a blood clotting disorder or diabetes. Garlic has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels. Also, talk to your doctor before taking garlic if you have any other medical conditions, if you take medicines or herbal/health supplements other than those previously listed, or if you suffer from allergies (especially to plants). Garlic may not be recommended in some situations.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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