Overview

Fucus vesiculosus is a type of brown seaweed that grows in the Baltic Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and North Pacific Ocean. The whole plant is used as medicine.

Fucus vesiculosus contains varying amounts of iodine. Iodine might help prevent or treat some thyroid disorders. Fucus vesiculosus also might have antidiabetic effects and affect hormone levels.

People use Fucus vesiculosus for thyroid disorders, obesity, aging skin, constipation, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse Fucus vesiculosus with algin, bladderwort, blue-green algae, ecklonia cava, or laminaria. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for BLADDERWRACK overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Fucus vesiculosus is possibly unsafe. It can contain high concentrations of iodine. Taking large amounts of iodine can cause or worsen some thyroid problems. It might also contain heavy metals, which can cause heavy metal poisoning.

When applied to the skin: Fucus vesiculosus is possibly safe.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Fucus vesiculosus is possibly unsafe. It can contain high concentrations of iodine. Taking large amounts of iodine can cause or worsen some thyroid problems. It might also contain heavy metals, which can cause heavy metal poisoning.

When applied to the skin: Fucus vesiculosus is possibly safe.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Fucus vesiculosus is possibly unsafe to use while pregnant or breast-feeding because it might contain iodine and heavy metals. Don't use it.

Surgery: Fucus vesiculosus might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking Fucus vesiculosus at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Thyroid disorders: Fucus vesiculosus may contain large amounts of iodine. Long-term use or high doses of iodine might make certain thyroid disorders worse. Also, people with autoimmune thyroid disease might be especially sensitive to the harmful effects of iodine.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for an overactive thyroid (Antithyroid drugs) interacts with BLADDERWRACK

    Fucus vesiculosus can contain large amounts of iodine. Iodine can increase or decrease thyroid function. Taking Fucus vesiculosus along with medications for an overactive thyroid might change the effects of these medications.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BLADDERWRACK

    Fucus vesiculosus might slow blood clotting. Taking Fucus vesiculosus along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Lithium interacts with BLADDERWRACK

    Fucus vesiculosus can contain large amounts of iodine. Large amounts of iodine can change thyroid function. Lithium can also change thyroid function. Taking Fucus vesiculosus along with lithium might increase the risk of thyroid function changes.

  • Amiodarone (Cordarone) interacts with BLADDERWRACK

    Fucus vesiculosus and amiodarone both contain iodine. Taking fucus vesiculosus with amiodarone might increase the levels of iodine in the blood. Too much iodine in the blood can cause side effects that affect the thyroid.

  • Thyroid hormone interacts with BLADDERWRACK

    Fucus vesiculosus contains iodine. Iodine can increase or decrease thyroid function. Taking Fucus vesiculosus along with thyroid hormone medications might increase the effects of these medications.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates) interacts with BLADDERWRACK

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fucus vesiculosus might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with BLADDERWRACK

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fucus vesiculosus might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with BLADDERWRACK

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fucus vesiculosus might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with BLADDERWRACK

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fucus vesiculosus might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Fucus vesiculosus might be. Fucus vesiculosus might also be unsafe because it might contain high amounts of iodine and heavy metals. Speak with a healthcare provider before using.

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.