Silymarin is a prescription medicine. It is typically used for the treatment of Cholestatic Liver Diseases. The alternative uses of Silymarin have also been explained below.
The correct dosage of Silymarin depends on the patient's age, gender, and medical history. Dosage also depends on the route of administration and your chief complaint for which the drug is prescribed. Detailed information has been provided in the dosage section.
Common side effects of Silymarin include Indigestion, Bloating or fullness, Diarrhoea. Usually, these side effects of Silymarin go away soon, and do not persist beyond the duration of the treatment. Consult your doctor if these side effects become worse or stay for a longer duration.
Furthermore, you should know that effect of Silymarin is Moderate for pregnant women and Unknown for women who are breastfeeding. It is important to know if Silymarin has any effect on the kidney, liver and heart. Information on such adverse effects, if any, has been given in the Silymarin related warnings section.
Other conditions have been mentioned below in the Silymarin contraindications section.
Drug reaction of Silymarin with other medicines has been reported. See below for a complete list.
In addition to the above precautions for Silymarin, it is important to know that it is safe while driving, and is habit-forming.
Silymarin is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
Age Group | Dosage |
Adult |
|
Geriatric |
|
13 - 18 years (Adolescent) |
|
Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Silymarin is used -
Common
Is the use of Silymarin safe for pregnant women?
Silymarin may cause moderate side effects during pregnancy. If you feel its harmful effects, then stop taking this drug immediately, and do not take Silymarin again without your doctor's advice.
Is the use of Silymarin safe during breastfeeding?
Due to lack of research work on this topic, the side effects of Silymarin for breastfeeding women are not known.
What is the effect of Silymarin on the Kidneys?
Silymarin has very mild side effects on the kidneys.
What is the effect of Silymarin on the Liver?
Silymarin is rarely harmful for the liver.
What is the effect of Silymarin on the Heart?
Silymarin has very mild side effects on the heart.
Silymarin should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Silymarin unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Silymarin habit forming or addictive?
Silymarin does not cause addiction.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
Silymarin does not cause dizziness or sleep, so you can drive a vehicle or operate machinery also.
Is it safe?
There are no side effects of Silymarin, so it is safe for use.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
No, Silymarin cannot treat any kind of mental disorder.
Interaction between Food and Silymarin
Due to the absence of research, it is difficult to say how Silymarin and food will interact.
Interaction between Alcohol and Silymarin
Information about the interaction of Silymarin and alcohol is not currently available because this topic has not been researched yet.
No, Silymarin is not a blood thinner. It belongs to the class of drug known as polyphenolic flavonoid that possesses hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective properties.
Yes, Silymarin protect the liver. It protects the liver from the damage caused by free radicals because of its antioxidant property.
No, Silymarin does not treat hepatitis B because it is not an antiviral drug. However, it is used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of hepatitis.
Yes, Silymarin is safe to use, if taken in a prescribed amount for a specified time as advised by the doctor. However, some side effects have been observed at regular doses these are bloating, flatulence, and loss of appetite. Do not hesitate to inform your doctor if you are facing any of the above.
The duration of treatment might vary depending upon the patient's medical condition. You are advised to take it as per your doctor's advice. Do not take it longer than prescribed by your doctor to avoid unpleasant side effects.
This medicine data has been created by -
B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience