Overview

Policosanol is a natural mixture of long-chain alcohols that comes from sugar cane wax or beeswax. It can also be found in wheat or rice.

Policosanol seems to decrease cholesterol production in the liver and to increase the breakdown of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. It also decreases the stickiness of cells in the blood known as platelets.

People use policosanol for leg pain during exercise due to poor blood flow. It is also used for high cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse policosanol with octacosanol. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

Likely Effective for

  • Leg pain during exercise due to poor blood flow (intermittent claudication). Taking policosanol by mouth seems to improve the distance people with intermittent claudication can walk.

There is interest in using policosanol for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Policosanol is likely safe when used in doses of 5-80 mg daily for up to 3 years. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include headache, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, upset stomach, skin redness, or weight loss.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Policosanol is likely safe when used in doses of 5-80 mg daily for up to 3 years. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include headache, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, upset stomach, skin redness, or weight loss.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if policosanol is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Policosanol might slow blood clotting and increase the chance of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery: Policosanol might slow blood clotting and reduce blood sugar levels. This might increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using policosanol at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Beta-blockers) interacts with Policosanol

    Beta-blockers are used to lower blood pressure. Policosanol might also lower blood pressure. Taking policosanol along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Nitroprusside (Nitropress) interacts with Policosanol

    Policosanol might increase the blood pressure lowering effects of nitroprusside. This might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

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

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

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Policosanol

    Policosanol might slow blood clotting. Warfarin also slows blood clotting. Taking policosanol along with warfarin might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. But it's not clear if this is a big concern.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Policosanol

    Policosanol might lower blood sugar levels. Taking policosanol along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

Policosanol has most often been used by adults in doses of 5-20 mg by mouth daily for up to 3 years. Higher doses of 40-80 mg daily have been used for up to 24 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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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 licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. 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.
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