Fennel

What is it?
Fennel is an herbal medicine that is used for stomach complaints, such as feelings of fullness and gas. It is also used for coughs and sore throats.

Other names for Fennel Seed include: Fennel Seed, Foeniculum vulgare, Fenchel, Bitterfenchel, Fruit de Fenouil, and Aneth Doux.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:
Tell your doctor if you ...

• are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
• are breastfeeding
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:
Talk with your caregiver about how much Fennel you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Fennel. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:
Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Drug and Food Interactions:
Do not take Fennel without talking to your doctor first if you are taking:

• Antibiotics (examples: Cipro(R) ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin (Levaquin(R)))

Warnings:

• Before taking Fennel, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Fennel preparations, other than Fennel honey and Fennel seed infusions (or other preparations containing an equal amount of essential oil), should not be used during pregnancy (2)
• Fennel preparations, other than Fennel honey, should not be used for infants and toddlers (2)
• Do not use Fennel if you have epilepsy (seizure disorder) (4)
• Do not use Fennel for a long time or in large amounts (2)
• Do not take if you have an allergy to carrots, celery, or mugwort (3)

Side Effects:
Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
• Chest pain
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:
You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

• Vomiting (throwing up) and nausea (upset stomach) (3)
• Using too much Fennel may cause you to become sun sensitive which may cause your skin to easily burn (3)
• Seizures (convulsions) (5)

References:
1. Bisset NG, Wichtl M (eds): Herbal and Phytopharmaceuticals: a handbook for practice on a scientific basis. Medpharm Scientific Publishers, CRC Press, Stuttgart, Germany; 1994.
2. Blumenthal, Busse, Goldberg, et al: The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. The American Botanical Council, Austin, TX; 1998.
3. Fetrow C & Avila J: Professional's Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Springhouse Corporation, Springhouse, PA; 1999.
4. Anon: Aromatherapy useful in some epilepsy patients. Pharm J 1993; 251:798.
5. Locock RA: Fennel. Can Pharm J 1994; 126(10):503-504.
6. Zhu M, Wong P & Li R: Effect of oral administration of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on ciprofloxacin absorption and disposition in the rat. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999; 51(12):1391-1396.
7. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J (eds): Herbal Medicine, Expanded Commission E Monographs, 1st ed. Integrated Medicine Communications, Newton, MA; 2000.