Overview

English ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen, climbing vine native to Europe and Asia. The leaves are sometimes used to make extracts for medicine.

English ivy might help thin mucus in the airways. This might improve lung function in people with breathing difficulty. English ivy might also have antioxidant effects.

People use English ivy for bronchitis, burns, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for English Ivy overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Specific cough syrups (Prospan; Prospanex) containing English ivy leaf extract are possibly safe when used three times daily for up to 7 days.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if English ivy is safe. It might cause side effects such as allergic skin reactions.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Specific cough syrups (Prospan; Prospanex) containing English ivy leaf extract are possibly safe when used three times daily for up to 7 days.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if English ivy is safe. It might cause side effects such as allergic skin reactions.

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

Children: Specific cough syrups (Prospan; Prospanex) containing English ivy leaf extract are possibly safe when taken by mouth three times daily for up to 7 days.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with English Ivy

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. English ivy 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 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates) interacts with English Ivy

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. English ivy 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 English Ivy

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

Dosing

Dried English ivy leaf has most often been used by adults in doses of 300-800 mg by mouth daily. Specific English ivy leaf extract products have also been used. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and 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.

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