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What are the possible side effects of garlic?

Although uncommon, allergic reactions to garlic have been reported. Stop taking garlic and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Other less serious side effects have also been reported. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience

• burning of the mouth, throat, and stomach;

• nausea or vomiting;

• diarrhea;

• sweating;

• lightheadedness; and

• eczema or a rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect garlic?

Do not take garlic without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• a medicine to control blood sugar levels such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Glynase, Diabeta, Micronase), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide (Tolinase), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), repaglinide (Prandin), metformin (Glucophage), and others;

• a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox, others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis), indomethacin (Indocin), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), and others;

• a protease inhibitor such as amprenavir (Agenerase), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), lopinavir-ritonavir (Kaletra), ritonavir (Norvir), or nelfinavir (Viracept);

• ardeparin (Normiflo), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), tinzaparin (Innohep);

• warfarin (Coumadin);

• aspirin; or

• heparin.

You may not be able to take garlic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring while taking garlic if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with garlic or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or other herbal/health supplements.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about garlic.

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.