Overview

Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a flowering shrub. It contains chemicals called toxic cardiac glycosides, which can lead to death when consumed.

The cardiac glycosides in oleander affect the heart. These chemicals can slow the heart rate down. Some of these chemicals might also kill cancer cells.

People use oleander for heart failure, cancer, epilepsy, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using oleander for COVID-19. Oleander is unsafe to use.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Oleander overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Oleander is likely unsafe. Consuming oleander leaf, oleander leaf tea, or oleander seed has led to deadly poisonings.

When applied to the skin: Oleander is possibly unsafe. It can be absorbed into the body and cause serious side effects. Touching oleander sap can cause a rash.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Oleander is likely unsafe. Consuming oleander leaf, oleander leaf tea, or oleander seed has led to deadly poisonings.

When applied to the skin: Oleander is possibly unsafe. It can be absorbed into the body and cause serious side effects. Touching oleander sap can cause a rash.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking oleander by mouth is likely unsafe while pregnant or breast-feeding. It might cause an abortion or cause birth defects. There isn't enough reliable information to know if oleander is safe to apply to the skin. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Oleander is likely unsafe when taken by mouth. Taking the oleander leaf, oleander leaf tea, or oleander seed has led to deadly poisonings.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Antibiotics (Macrolide antibiotics) interacts with Oleander

    Taking some antibiotics might increase how much oleander the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of oleander.

  • Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with Oleander

    Taking some antibiotics might increase how much oleander the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of oleander.

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Oleander

    Digoxin helps the heart beat more strongly. Oleander also seems to affect the heart. Taking oleander along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and might cause serious heart problems. Do not take oleander if you are taking digoxin without talking to your health care professional.

  • Quinine interacts with Oleander

    Quinine might increase the amount of oleander the body absorbs. Taking quinine along with oleander might cause serious heart problems.

  • Stimulant laxatives interacts with Oleander

    Oleander might affect the heart. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Oleander

    Oleander might affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

  • Medications for inflammation (Corticosteroids) interacts with Oleander

    Oleander might affect the heart. Some medications for inflammation can decrease potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of oleander might be. Oleander can also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before using.
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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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