What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking garlic?
Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood
clotting disorder or diabetes, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat a blood clotting
disorder or diabetes. Garlic has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels.
Also, talk to your doctor before taking garlic if you have any other medical conditions, if you
take medicines or herbal/health supplements other than those previously listed, or if you suffer from
allergies (especially to plants). Garlic may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not take garlic supplements without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant
or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether garlic will harm an unborn baby. The amount of
garlic customarily used in foods is not reported to be problematic.
Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It
is also not known whether garlic will harm a nursing infant. The amount of garlic customarily used
in foods is not reported to be problematic.
There is no information available regarding the use of garlic supplements by children.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take garlic?
The use of garlic 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.
If you choose to take garlic, 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.
Garlic is available in the clove form, in capsules, as tablets and as an oil. Other formulations
may also be available.
Generally, the preferred forms of garlic for oral use are enteric-coated odorless garlic and
fresh garlic which has been pressed or crushed for 10 to 15 minutes before using.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, topical formulations, teas, tinctures, and
others) of garlic 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 garlic.
Store garlic as directed on the package. In general, garlic should be protected from light and
moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of garlic. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of garlic is unlikely to threaten life. Consult a doctor, hospital, or poison control
center if you require assistance.
Symptoms of a garlic overdose have not been reported.
What should I avoid while taking garlic?
There are no known restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking garlic, unless
otherwise directed by your health care provider.
Print
Email
Save
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
