DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: nettle (net L)
Brand Names:

What is nettle?

Nettle is also known as White Nettle, Hemp Nettle, Common Nettle, Greater Nettle, Stinging Nettle and Devil's Leaf.

Nettle has been used for prostate enlargement, kidney and bladder problems, allergies, chest congestion, spasms and other conditions.

The use of the nettle plant 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.

Nettle has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of nettle may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Nettle may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about nettle?

Nettle has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of nettle plants may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Who should not take nettle?

Before taking nettle, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical conditions, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Nettle may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take nettle without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether nettle will harm an unborn baby. Do not take nettle without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether nettle will harm a nursing infant. There is no information available regarding the use of nettle by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take nettle?

The use of nettle 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 nettle, 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.

Take the pill forms of nettle with a full glass of water.

To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of nettle with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Some forms of nettle can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of nettle 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 nettle.

Store nettle as directed on the package. In general, nettle should be protected from light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

No information is available regarding a missed dose of nettle. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a nettle overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking nettle?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking nettle, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.

Nettle side effects

Although rare, allergic reactions to nettle have been reported. Stop taking nettle 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 are also uncommon and reports have included mild stomach upset.

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 nettle?

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking nettle if you are taking any other medicines or supplements including vitamins, minerals, or other herbal products..

Where can I get more information?

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

• Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. 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. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01. Revision Date: 9/14/05 10:01:34 AM.