Marsh milkweed

The marsh milkweed is a plant whose root and root stem are used to make medicine.

Despite serious safety concerns, marsh milkweed is used by some people for digestive problems.

How does marsh milkweed work?

There is not enough information available to say how *swamp milkweed* might work as a medicine.

How effective is swamp milkweed?

There is not enough scientific data available to make a statement about the effectiveness of swamp milkweed for digestive problems. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of marsh milkweed in this application.

Safety and side effects

The use of swamp milkweed is not safe or harmless. It contains chemicals similar to the prescription drug digoxin, which can cause a dangerous irregular heartbeat. Touching the plant can cause inflammatory swelling of the skin.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of marsh milkweed is not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It can cause a dangerous irregular heartbeat.

Heart disease: Swamp milkweed may aggravate heart disease and therefore should not be used if you already have heart problems.

Interactions

Swamp milkweed should not be combined with the following medications:

Quinine

Marsh milkweed can affect the heart. Quinine can also affect the heart. Taking marsh milkweed in combination with quinine could cause serious heart problems.

Care should be taken when combining marsh milkweed with the following medications:

Antibiotics (macrolide antibiotics)

Marsh milkweed can affect the heart. Some antibiotics may increase the amount of swamp milkweed absorbed by the body. Taking marsh milkweed with macrolide antibiotics may increase the effects and side effects of marsh milkweed.

Antibiotics (tetracyline antibiotics)

Taking certain antibiotics in combination with marsh milkweed could increase the risk of marsh milkweed side effects. Some antibiotics that interact with lily of the valley include demeclocycline, minocycline and tetracycline.

Stimulant laxatives

Swamp milkweed can affect the heart. The heart uses potassium. Laxatives, known as stimulant laxatives, can lower potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of marsh milkweed side effects.

Diuretics

Swamp milkweed can affect the heart. Diuretics can reduce the amount of potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can affect the heart and increase the risk of marsh milkweed side effects.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of marsh milkweed depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for marsh milkweed. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.