Overview

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a plant native to North America. It's been traditionally used as medicine in homeopathic products.

Swamp milkweed contains powerful chemicals called cardiac glycosides. These chemicals can cause dangerous heart issues.

Despite serious safety concerns, people use swamp milkweed for digestion problems and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for SWAMP MILKWEED overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Swamp milkweed is likely unsafe. It contains powerful chemicals called cardiac glycosides. These chemicals are similar to the prescription drug digoxin.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Swamp milkweed is likely unsafe. It contains powerful chemicals called cardiac glycosides. These chemicals are similar to the prescription drug digoxin.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Swamp milkweed is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. It can cause serious heart issues.

Heart disease: Swamp milkweed can make a heart condition worse. Avoid use.

Low bloodpotassium levels: It's unsafe to use swamp milkweed if you have low potassium levels. Avoid use.

Interactions ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with SWAMP MILKWEED

    Digoxin helps the heart beat more strongly. Swamp milkweed also seems to affect the heart. Taking swamp milkweed along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects. Do not take swamp milkweed if you are taking digoxin.

  • Quinine interacts with SWAMP MILKWEED

    Swamp milkweed can affect the heart. Quinine might increase how much swamp milkweed stays in the body. Taking quinine along with swamp milkweed might increase the effects and side effects of swamp milkweed.

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Antibiotics (Macrolide antibiotics) interacts with SWAMP MILKWEED

    Taking macrolide antibiotics along with swamp milkweed might increase the chance of side effects from swamp milkweed.

  • Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with SWAMP MILKWEED

    Taking tetracycline antibiotics along with swamp milkweed might increase the chance of side effects from swamp milkweed.

  • Stimulant laxatives interacts with SWAMP MILKWEED

    Swamp milkweed might affect the heart. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with SWAMP MILKWEED

    Swamp milkweed might affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

  • Medications for inflammation (Corticosteroids) interacts with SWAMP MILKWEED

    Swamp milkweed might affect the heart. Some medications for inflammation, called corticosteroids, can decrease potassium and other electrolytes. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects of the heart.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of swamp milkweed might be. Swamp milkweed contains chemicals that can have serious effects on the heart. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.