Hawthorn medicine: Uses, indications and notes when using

Hawthorn medicine is effective in the treatment of heart failure, angina and high blood pressure. The drug is prepared from the leaves, fruits and flowers of a type of hawthorn. However, you should consult a doctor to know your health condition before using the drug, because some herbal products contain harmful impurities and additives.

What effect does Hawthorn have? Hawthorn is made from the leaves, fruit and flowers of a type of hawthorn, which is effective in the treatment of heart failure, angina and high blood pressure. Hawthorn is also used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and high cholesterol. In addition, the drug also treats tapeworms and other intestinal infections. However, to date, there have not been enough studies on its use for other cardiovascular conditions.
You should see a doctor to know your health condition before using the drug, because some herbal products and dietary supplements have been found to contain harmful impurities and additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the brand you are using.

Take Hawthorn by mouth as directed by your doctor. Follow all instructions and warnings on the product packaging, if you have any questions ask your pharmacist or doctor. If your condition persists or worsens seek medical attention immediately.
Use Hawthorn medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it. Never increase the dose or abuse the drug for longer than prescribed. This not only makes the condition improve faster, but also increases the risk of unwanted effects.

Some unwanted effects that may occur when using Hawthorn medicine include:
Nausea, upset stomach, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Sweating, Headache Serious side effects: fast, strong heartbeat, shortness of breath, changes in mental status such as agitation, etc. Before prescribing, doctors always weigh the benefits of Hawthorn more than the risk of side effects. However, in some cases, unwanted effects can still occur, so when you see unusual signs, especially when an allergic reaction occurs such as rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, throat, severe dizziness and difficulty breathing,... In this case, the patient should immediately notify the doctor for prompt medical intervention.

Some notes before and while taking Hawthorn include:
Report a history of allergy to hawthorn or any other allergic condition. Hawthorn medicinal products may contain inactive ingredients and cause allergic reactions or other serious problems. Report medical history, especially cardiovascular disease (eg, heart failure, angina), low blood pressure,... Hawthorn can make dizziness or nausea worse with alcohol or other stimulants. Therefore, do not drink alcohol, beer, ... during the use of hawthorn medicine. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. The liquid form of hawthorn may contain sugar or ferment. Therefore, it should be used with caution in people with diabetes, alcoholism or liver disease. Hawthorn is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you forget to take a dose of Hawthorn, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is close to the time you remember to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the same time. Absolutely do not use twice the dose according to the treatment regimen. Hawthorn overdose can cause serious symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, severe dizziness, weakness,...

Drug interactions can reduce the effect of Hawthorn, or increase the effect of unwanted effects. Tell the doctor about all other medications the patient takes, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines and herbal products. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's consent.
Some products that may interact with Hawthorn include:
Alpha blockers : prazosin Medicines for erectile dysfunction -ED or pulmonary hypertension: sildenafil, tadalafil Medicines for high blood pressure : including beta-blockers such as atenolol, calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem, cardiovascular drugs such as digoxin, dinitrate isosorbide, etc. Products that make drowsiness worse such as opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants (such as codeine, hydrocodone, ...), alcohol, marijuana, sleeping pills or anxiety relievers (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), or muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine).

Store Hawthorn at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Do not store hawthorn in a humid place or in the freezer. Each medicine will have different storage methods, so read the Hawthorn storage instructions carefully on the package, or ask your pharmacist. Keep Hawthorn out of the reach of children and family pets. When medicine is past its expiration date or cannot be used, dispose of it properly. Do not arbitrarily dispose of Hawthorn into an environment such as a water pipe or toilet unless requested to do so. Ask your waste disposal company or pharmacist for advice on how to safely dispose of Hawthorn to help protect the environment.
In summary, hawthorn medicine is made from the leaves, fruit and flowers of a type of hawthorn, which is effective in the treatment of heart failure, angina and high blood pressure. However, Hawthorn can cause some unwanted effects and drug interactions, so tell your doctor what medicinal products you are taking to reduce the risk of side effects and increase the effectiveness of treatment. .

Reference source: webmd.com