Generic
Echinacea
6 brands available in the market
At a glance
Echinacea is an herbal supplement used for the treatment of common cold, cough, bronchitis and other upper respiratory tract infections. It helps stimulate the immune system to prevent infection.
Description
Echinacea is a popular herbal supplement containing bioactive ingredients including echinacosides, caffeic acids, alkylamides, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins. It causes macrophage activation and release of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1, interleukin 6, and interferon. It has antiviral activity against influenza, herpes, and poliovirus. Phenolic compounds demonstrate antioxidant activity. It also has antiinflammatory activity through inhibition of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase and stimulates the anterior pituitary-adrenal cortex. Used for common cold, cough, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and immune system stimulation. Dose: 1-2 capsules 3 times daily. Generally safe but may cause fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, joint and muscle aches. Not recommended during pregnancy. Use cautiously in autoimmune disease.
Indications
- Common cold
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Fever and cold
- Immune system stimulation and infection prevention
Therapeutic class
Herbal and Nutraceuticals
Pharmacological class
Herbal supplement (Immune stimulant)
Pharmacology
Echinacea products contain a variety of bioactive ingredients including echinacosides, caffeic acids, alkylamides, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins. In vitro, echinacea causes macrophage activation and release of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1, interleukin 6, and interferon. It has antiviral activity against influenza, herpes, and poliovirus.
Mechanism of action
Echinacea stimulates the immune system by activating macrophages and inducing cytokine release. It demonstrates antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Dosage
Adult Dose: 1-2 capsules, 3 times daily.
Administration
Oral capsule. Take in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. May be taken with or without food.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Echinacea, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Joint and muscle aches
Precautions & warnings
- Echinacea helps treat common cold, cough and respiratory tract infections.
- Use cautiously in patients with autoimmune disease.
- Not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- Discontinue use if severe allergic reactions occur.
Contraindications
- Autoimmune disease (use with caution)
- Hypersensitivity to Echinacea
Drug interactions
Concurrent use with immunosuppressive drugs should be avoided as Echinacea stimulates the immune system.
Food interactions
No known food interactions.
Use in pregnancy
Echinacea is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Category: N/A — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Adequate information on safety during lactation is not available. Consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy in children not established.
Geriatric use
Limited information available regarding dose adjustment for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal impairment: Use with caution in kidney disease.
Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in liver disease.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and allergic reactions. Provide symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store at room temperature. Protect from moisture and light.
Chemical structure
Echinacea