NIS - libdoc.who.int - World Health Organization

Radix Glycyrrhizae
Contraindications
Radix Glycyrrhizae is contraindicated in patients with hypertension,
cholestatic disorders or cirrhosis of the liver, hypokalaemia, or chronic
renal insufficiency, and during pregnancy (9, 29).
Warnings
Prolonged use of large doses (>50g/day) of the drug for extended periods
(>6 weeks) may increase water accumulation, causing swelling of the
hands and feet. Sodium excretion is reduced and potassium excretion is
increased. Blood pressure may rise.
Precautions
General
Radix Glycyrrhizae should not be taken concurrently with corticosteroid
treatment. If sore throat or cough persists for more than 3 days, the patient
should consult a physician.
Drug interactions
Because it increases potassium loss, Radix Glycyrrhizae should not be
administered for prolonged use with thiazide and loop diuretics or cardiac
glycosides (29). Because it reduces sodium and water excretion, the
effectiveness of drugs used in the treatment of hypertension may be reduced.
Radix Glycyrrhizae should not be administered in conjunction
with spironolactone or amiloride (52).
Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility
Radix Glycyrrhizae is not mutagenic in vitro (53–55).
Pregnancy: teratogenic effects
The drug is not teratogenic in animal models (56).
Pregnancy: non-teratogenic effects
The safety of Radix Glycyrrhizae preparations during pregnancy has not
been established. As a precautionary measure the drug should not be used
during pregnancy.
Nursing mothers
The safety of Radix Glycyrrhizae preparations during lactation has not
been established. As a precautionary measure the drug should not be used
during lactation except on medical advice.
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