Key information summary
Efficacy & effects
This medication is used for hyperlipidemia, specifically a condition where there is an excessive accumulation of fat in the body.
Dosage
Children (ages 7-15) should take 1/2 packet (1.15g for adult dosage) three times a day between meals.
Precautions
This medication contains the artificial sweetener aspartame. Since aspartame is broken down into phenylalanine in the body, patients with phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder, should not take this medication. The content of aspartame is controlled to not exceed the WHO-recommended daily allowance of 40mg/kg. For instance, for a 60kg adult, the maximum daily dosage is 2.4g. This medication contains lactose, so individuals with inherited problems such as galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take it. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid this medication due to the uterine contraction effects of the rhubarb component, which may pose a risk of miscarriage. Breastfeeding women should also avoid taking this medication, as the anthraquinone derivatives contained in rhubarb can be transmitted through breast milk and may cause diarrhea in infants. Patients with high blood pressure, the elderly, those with heart or kidney diseases, or individuals with edema must consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication. Individuals who have previously experienced allergic reactions such as skin rash, redness, or itching due to medication should also exercise caution. Individuals with symptoms of diarrhea or weakened gastrointestinal function, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or those who are very debilitated should consult a professional before taking the medication. If symptoms suggestive of liver disease such as fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or dark urine occur during use, the medication should be discontinued immediately and professional advice sought. Additionally, if there is reduced urine output, swelling of the face or extremities, eyelid heaviness, stiff hands, increased blood pressure, or headaches, the medication should be stopped, and a doctor or pharmacist consulted. If symptoms of muscle weakness, fatigue, seizures, or paralysis develop, the medication should be discontinued and medical attention sought. If gastrointestinal-related symptoms, such as dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting occur, it is safe to stop taking it and seek advice. The prescribed dosage and frequency must be strictly adhered to, and children should take it under adult supervision. If skin rashes, redness, or itching develop during use, the medication should be stopped and professional advice obtained. If reduced urination, swelling, headaches, or increased blood pressure are observed, the medication should be discontinued immediately and a doctor or pharmacist consulted. If no improvement is noted after one month of use, the medication should be discontinued, and advice should be sought. For long-term use, consultations with professionals are essential. The laxative effect of rhubarb can vary significantly among individuals, so particular caution is warranted regarding dosage and administration. Stimulant laxatives can lead to drug tolerance and worsened constipation if used long-term, so continuous use should be avoided for over a week, and the cause should be investigated if daily laxatives are needed. Caution should be exercised for overlapping ingredients when taking other herbal or botanical remedies, particularly with products containing rhubarb. Caution is warranted when taking medications containing potassium, glycyrrhiza, or some diuretics, as they may cause hypokalemia or muscle abnormalities.
Side effects
Diarrhea, loose stools, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, discomfort in the stomach, rash, redness, itching, fatigue, limb cramps, paralysis, headache