Xiao Gan Cao Root … Safety & Interactions
Xiao Gan Cao · Radix Glycyrrhizae
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Uncontrolled hypertension, edema, hypokalemia, or severe heart failure
- High-dose or prolonged unsupervised use
Cautions
- Smaller raw roots are not safer just because they look lighter or more modest than large Gan Cao slices.
- If multiple products contain licorice, total glycyrrhizin exposure can still become clinically significant.
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loop or thiazide diuretics ... additive potassium loss and arrhythmia risk | |||
| Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides ... hypokalemia may increase toxicity risk | |||
| Corticosteroids ... additive mineralocorticoid-like effects | |||
| Antihypertensives or antiarrhythmics ... electrolyte shifts may complicate therapy | |||
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.