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Brand Names:

Generic Name: chamomile (Pronunciation: KAH moe meal)

What is chamomile ()?
What are the possible side effects of chamomile ()?
What is the most important information I should know about chamomile ()?
Who should not take chamomile ()?
How should I take chamomile ()?
What happens if I miss a dose ()?
What happens if I overdose ()?
What should I avoid while taking chamomile ()?
What other drugs will affect chamomile ()?
Where can I get more information?

What is chamomile ()?

The use of chamomile 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.

Two plants each provide the product known as chamomile. Matricaria chamomilla is also known as German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, pin heads, chamomilla, wild chamomile, sweet false chamomile, and genuine chamomile. Anthemis nobilis is also known as English or Roman chamomile, ground apple, whig plant, and common chamomile.

Chamomile has been used orally to reduce flatulence and/or diarrhea due to a nervous stomach, to reduce stomach upset, to treat travel sickness, to produce mild sedation, to reduce restlessness and irritability, to treat the common cold, to treat fevers, to reduce cough, for liver and gallbladder complaints, and to increase appetite. Chamomile has also been used topically to reduce inflammation of the skin, mouth, and throat; to reduce nasal inflammation and discharge; and to treat wounds and burns.

Chamomile has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of chamomile may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Chamomile may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

What are the possible side effects of chamomile ()?

Although uncommon, serious side effects have been reported with the use of chamomile. Stop taking chamomile and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately if you experience:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
vomiting.

Other less serious side effects have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you develop any side effects.

What is the most important information I should know about chamomile ()?

Do not take chamomile without first talking to your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin) or another blood thinner. You may not be able to take chamomile, or you may require special monitoring during treatment if you are taking a blood thinner.

Talk to your doctor before taking or using chamomile if you have any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to ragweed, asters, chrysanthemums, celery, or other plants), or if you take other medicines. Chamomile may not be recommended in some situations.

Who should not take chamomile ()?

Talk to your doctor before taking chamomile if you have any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to ragweed, asters, chrysanthemums, celery, or other plants), or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements. Chamomile may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take chamomile without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether chamomile will harm an unborn baby.

Do not take chamomile without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether chamomile will harm a nursing infant.

There is no information available regarding the use of chamomile by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take chamomile ()?

If you choose to use chamomile, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Chamomile is available in pill and liquid formulations. Other formulations may also be available.

Some forms of chamomile are intended for internal (oral) use while others are intended for external (topical) use.

Do not take more of this product than is directed.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, topical formulations, teas, tinctures, and others) of chamomile at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of chamomile.

Store chamomile as directed on the package. In general, chamomile should be protected from light and moisture. The Anthemis nobilis form of chamomile should be stored in a well-sealed glass or metal container.

What happens if I miss a dose ()?

No information is available regarding a missed dose of chamomile. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.

What happens if I overdose ()?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a chamomile overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking chamomile ()?

There are no known restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking chamomile, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.

What other drugs will affect chamomile ()?

Do not take chamomile without first talking to your doctor if you are taking

warfarin (Coumadin),
ardeparin (Normiflo),
dalteparin (Fragmin),
danaparoid (Orgaran),
enoxaparin (Lovenox),
heparin, or
another blood thinner.

You may not be able to take chamomile, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicine listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chamomile. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or other herbal/health supplements.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about chamomile.

Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. 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. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.

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