Patient/Family Teaching

• Herb is more effective for treatment than prevention of colds. Take at first sign of symptoms

• Advise patient to seek immediate treatment for an illness that does not improve after taking this herb

• Instruct patient that the usual course of therapy is 10–14 days and 8 wk is the maximum

• Inform patient that use of this herb is not recommended in severe illnesses (e.g., AIDS, tuberculosis) or autoimmune diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, collagen diseases, etc.)

• Caution patient that prolonged use of this herb may result in overstimulation of the immune system, possibly with subsequent immunosuppression

• Warn pregnant or breastfeeding women not to use this herb

• Instruct patient to consult health care professional before taking any prescription or OTC medications concurrently with echinacea

• Keep tincture in a dark bottle away from sunlight. Should be taken several times a day

• Store herb in airtight container away from sunlight

echinacea (Echinacea Purpurea) is a sample topic found in Davis's Drug Guide. All other sections of this record are viewable by clicking on the index in the left column, or by clicking on "Display all Sections" in the "Content Manager".

To find other Davis's Drug Guide topics, please login or purchase a subscription.