Iberogast is an over-the-counter herbal medicine that is used to relieve digestive symptoms, but can cause some undesired side effects in return.
It is a formulation of nine different herbs that work together to improve digestive function by reducing the common symptoms of digestive dysfunction.
The 9 ingredients are peppermint leaves, lemon balm leaves, licorice root extract, celandine herb extract , caraway fruit extract, Mary’s thistle fruit extract, angelica root extract, bitter candy tuft extract and chamomile extract.
As popular and effective as it is said to be, there are some iberogast side effects that are rarely mentioned.
Thankfully, this article discusses 10 of the little-known iberogast side effects that most users have no idea about.
In addition to iberogast side effects, we also talk about its benefits and anything else that you need to know about it.
Iberogast benefits
It may ease Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms
Taking iberogast can help relieve the harsh symptoms of IBS including constipation, bloating and diarrhoea.
If you suffer from this condition, you can try it out with the permission of your doctor.
It may reduce the symptoms of functional dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia is a digestive disorder that has no clear cause but is characterized by recurring bouts of stomach upset.
Other symptoms are abdominal pain and indigestion.
People with this condition report that iberogast can be quite effective in relieving these symptoms.
Does Iberogast work immediately?
According to its manufacturers, iberogast can start to alleviate symptoms of digestive dysfunction within minutes of you taking it.
Its herbal formulation ensures your system absorbs it fast and that it begins functioning as soon as it gets into your bloodstream.
When is the best time to drink Iberogast?
The best time to take iberogast is before eating or alongside your meals.
You can take it three times every day, with a bit of liquid.
However, you should also feel free to take it in a different way if your doctor advises otherwise.
Is Iberogast a laxative?
Iberogast is not designed to be a laxative per se, but it may have a laxative effect.
It can alleviate constipation by making your bowel movements more regular and reducing indigestion.
Who should take iberogast?
Adults and adolescents from 13 years of age can take iberogast.
However, it is not ideal for pregnant women, people with epilepsy and liver problems, as well as anyone who has an alcohol-related disorder.
There isn’t enough research supporting its suitability for these categories of people.
We’ve so far discussed every important piece of information you need to know about it, except iberogast side effects.
Here are 10 iberogast side effects that have not been as popularized as its benefits.
Iberogast side effects
It can trigger abdominal cramps
There’s a good chance you may experience cramps in your abdominal muscles after using iberogast.
This is probably because it operates by curing malfunctions in your digestive system, which may cause a bit of pain in your abdomen.
It can cause stomatitis
Stomatitis is a scientific term for inflammation inside your mouth whether it be on your gums, cheeks, tongue or inside your lips.
It can occur either as a cold sore or a canker sore and cause so much discomfort in your mouth.
Using iberogast makes you prone to developing these sores recurrently.
Fortunately, you can easily get rid of them using over-the-counter antibiotics or in the alternative, ask your doctor how best you can treat them.
It may trigger skin reactions
Iberogast contains Mary’s thistle extract, which is known to trigger adverse skin reactions in sensitive people following oral ingestion.
If you have eczema, any product with his ingredient may not be ideal for you.
Similarly, if you have sensitive skin that is prone to rashes and itchiness, you may want to avoid this product.
It may cause esophagitis
Esophagitis is characterized by inflammation in the esophagus.
In case you are not familiar with the term, the esophagus is the tube that links your mouth to your stomach.
Taking this drug can cause your esophagus to be inflamed, which most times manifests as chest pain and difficulty in swallowing.
It can lead to alopecia
As scary as it sounds, iberogast can actually cause you to lose your hair.
Research reveals that there is a slight chance that using this drug can cause alopecia or make it worse for people who already suffer from it.
If you are genetically prone to hair loss, this medicine may not be for you.
Additionally, if your hair tends to fall of for any other reason such as medication, you should consult a doctor before using it.
It can cause a sore throat
Before you start taking iberogast, you should know that it may make your throat a bit sore.
Most sore throats usually go away after a short time, thankfully.
If yours lasts too long, make sure you see a doctor to check if there is an underlying cause for it.
It may cause hepatoxicity
The celandine extract used to formulate iberogast puts you at risk of developing liver injury.
Research suggests that acute liver injury can be linked with using iberogast, and it is characterized by yellowing of the eyes.
In some cases, this condition presents the same symptoms as acute viral hepatitis.
Should you develop any such symptoms as yellowing of the eyes, dark urine and pale stool, your first stop ought to be the doctor’s.
You may develop gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a gut condition usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection within the gastrointestinal system.
Its symptoms include watery diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps.
According to research, the Mary’s thistle extract in this drug puts you at risk of developing non-infectious gastroenteritis.
Steer clear of it if you’re prone to the symptoms of this condition unless you’re taking under the strict supervision of your doctor.
You may get a headache
Not many people are aware of the fact that taking iberogast can trigger a headache in the absence of other underlying conditions.
This side effect is not very common but it has been reported in a few cases.
It can cause hypertension
You probably had no idea that developing high blood pressure is a one of iberogast side effects, but now you do.
As mentioned earlier on, this drug contains licorice root extract, which is known to raise blood pressure above normal levels.
This means it is not advisable to use it if you have or are prone to high blood pressure.
Conclusion
It is always important for all prospective consumers of pharmaceutical products to do proper research before using any medicinal drugs.
This article makes research a lot easier for you since it discusses 10 of iberogast side effects that you may have not heard of elsewhere.
Before you start using it, check all the nine ingredients carefully to see if you may adversely react to any of them.
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