Guarana oral dosage forms

What is this medicine?

GUARANA (GWAHR uh nah), also known as Paullinia, is an herbal product or dietary supplement. It is promoted as a stimulant, increasing alertness in people who are tired or sleepy. It is also promoted as an aid for weight loss. The FDA has not approved this herb for any medical use.

This herb may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

How should I use this medicine?

Take by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package labeling or ask your health care professional. If this supplement upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not take this supplement more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this supplement in children. This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in emotions or moods

• chest pain

• confusion

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• muscle tremor, twitches

• nausea and vomiting

• seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in amount of urine

• diarrhea

• headache

• nervous, restless

• stomach upset

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

Check with your doctor or healthcare professional if you are taking any of the following medications:

• adenosine

• caffeine

• clozapine

• contrast dyes

• dipyridamole

• grapefruit juice

• lithium

• medicines for breathing problems like dyphylline, theophylline

• medicines for colds or congestion

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• other supplements with ephedra or green tea

• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature or as directed on the package label. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused supplement after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• chest pain

• diabetes

• heart disease

• high or low blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• mental disorder like anxiety, panic attacks

• seizure disorder

• stomach disease or ulcer

• thyroid disease

• trouble sleeping

• an unusual or allergic reaction to guarana, caffeine, other herbs or plants, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups.

If you take this supplement regularly you may get withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Symptoms include headache, being tired, dizzy, anxious, or nervous.

If you are scheduled for any medical or dental procedure, tell your healthcare provider that you are taking this supplement. You may need to stop taking this supplement before the procedure.

Herbal or dietary supplements are not regulated like medicines. Rigid quality control standards are not required for dietary supplements. The purity and strength of these products can vary. The safety and effect of this dietary supplement for a certain disease or illness is not well known. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Food and Drug Administration suggests the following to help consumers protect themselves:

• Always read product labels and follow directions.

• Natural does not mean a product is safe for humans to take.

• Look for products that include USP after the ingredient name. This means that the manufacturer followed the standards of the US Pharmacopoeia.

• Supplements made or sold by a nationally known food or drug company are more likely to be made under tight controls. You can write to the company for more information about how the product was made.

Since guarana is derived from a plant, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using this herb if you develop a rash.