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Licorice & Many Medications Do NOT Mix

By HERWriter
 
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According to Drugs.com, more than 192 (682 brand and generic names) medications are known to interact with licorice.

Even though it is a dietary supplement, licorice can potentially interact with several medicines. Real licorice products (including some candies, beverages, supplements and extracts) can cause significant side effects. However, many licorice products contain little or no real licorice. For instance, red licorice does not contain any real licorice and some black licorice products contain anise flavoring instead of licorice.

Even though it seems like a harmless substance, licorice can cause some dangerous side effects. You should immediately report any of these side effects to your doctor. These licorice side effects include but are not limited to:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Signs of congestive heart failure (CHF), such as: water retention, rapid weight gain, swelling of the feet or hands, difficulty breathing
• Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
• An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Severe muscle pain
• Signs of hormonal changes, such as: missed periods (in women), a low sex drive, impotence (in men)
• Muscle weakness
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as: rash, itching, hives, swelling of the mouth or throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing

Many of the serious licorice side effects are thought to be caused by one specific component of licorice, known as glycyrrhizin. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products, which have had the glycyrrhizin component removed, may be less likely to cause these serious side effects.

If you think you are experiencing a licorice side effect, please let your healthcare provider know immediately. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of licorice, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

Several medications may cause potentially negative drug interactions with licorice. If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use licorice with the following medications (for a full list of medications go to http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/licorice-index.html#ixzz0sx9PReSa):

•Ace-inhibitors and diuretics -- If you are taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or diuretics to regulate blood pressure, do not use licorice products. Licorice could interfere with the effectiveness of these medications or could worsen possible side effects.
•Digoxin -- Because licorice may dangerously increase the risk of toxic effects from digoxin, this herb should not be taken with this medication.
•Corticosteroids -- Licorice may increase the effects of corticosteroid medications. You should consult with your doctor before using licorice with any corticosteroids.
•Insulin -- Licorice may enhance some of the adverse effects of insulin.
•Laxatives -- Licorice may cause substantial potassium loss in people taking stimulant laxatives.
•Oral contraceptives -- There have been reports of women developing high blood pressure and low potassium levels when they took licorice while on oral contraceptives. Therefore, you should avoid licorice if you are taking birth control medications.

These licorice drug interactions can result in serious problems, such as low blood potassium and low blood calcium. To avoid these problems, talk to your healthcare provider before taking licorice or licorice supplements with any medications.

Sources:
http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/licorice-index.html#ixzz0sx9PReSa
http://www.druginteractioncenter.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org

MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton, Coca-Cola and Dunkin’ Donuts. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.