slippery elm

Generic Name: slippery elm (SLIH peh ree ELM)Brand Names:

What is slippery elm?

The use of slippery elm in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Slippery elm is also known as Ulmus fulva, red elm, sweet elm, Indian elm, and moose elm.

Slippery elm has been used orally to soothe irritation or ulceration of the stomach and intestines. Topically or locally, it has been used for toothaches, cold sores, abcesses, boils, ulcers, burns, and other skin conditions.

Slippery elm has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of slippery elm may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Slippery elm may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about slippery elm?

Slippery elm has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of slippery elm may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Who should not take slippery elm?

Before taking slippery elm, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Slippery elm may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take slippery elm without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether slippery elm will harm an unborn baby. Do not take slippery elm without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether slippery elm will harm a nursing infant. There is no information available regarding the use of slippery elm by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take slippery elm?

The use of slippery elm in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to use slippery elm, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Take the pill forms of slippery elm with a full glass of water.

Allow the lozenge forms of slippery elm to dissolve slowly in your mouth.

To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of slippery elm with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Some forms of slippery elm can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

Topical forms of slippery elm are intended for external use only. Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of slippery elm at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of slippery elm.

Store slippery elm as directed on the package. In general, slippery elm should be protected from light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

No information is available regarding a missed dose of slippery elm. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a slippery elm overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking slippery elm?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking slippery elm, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.

Slippery elm side effects

Although rare, allergic reactions to slippery elm may occur. Stop taking slippery elm and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

An allergic rash has been reported infrequently with the use of topical slippery elm preparations. Other less serious side effects have not been reported. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect slippery elm?

Interactions between slippery elm and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking slippery elm if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about slippery elm.

• Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.03. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:08:21 PM.