Fennel
Generic name: fennel [ FEH-nell ]
Drug class: Herbal products
What is fennel?
Fennel is an herb also known as Anethum Foeniculum, Anethum piperitum, Bari-Sanuf, Carosella, Fenouil, Finnochio, Foeniculi Antheroleum, Foeniculum, Hinojo, Huile de Fenouil, Phytoestrogen, Sanuf, Shatapuspha, Xiao Hui Xiang, and other names.
Fennel has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating colic (intestinal gas) in babies who are breast-fed. Fennel may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat this condition.
Other uses not proven with research have included indigestion, gas or bloating, bronchitis, cough, or cold symptoms.
It is not certain whether fennel is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Fennel should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Fennel is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Fennel may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Fennel side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although not all side effects are known, fennel is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time.
Stop using fennel and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:
Common side effects of fennel may include:
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mild rash, itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this product if you are allergic to fennel or if you have:
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past or present cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus; or
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a history of endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
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allergies to plants such as celery, carrot, or mugwort.
It is not known whether fennel will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
Fennel can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking fennel.
Fennel may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking fennel.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
How should I take fennel?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to use fennel, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of fennel at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with fennel does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.
Store fennel in a sealed container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra fennel to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking fennel?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Fennel can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
What other drugs will affect fennel?
Do not take fennel without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
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tamoxifen; or
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birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with fennel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.
More about fennel
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
- Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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