Lithospermum

What is it?
Lithospermum is an herbal medicine used to improve the immune system's response to such conditions as cancer and acute illness. It also has properties that may be useful in the treatment of infection and inflammation (pain, swelling, and redness). Its use for any of these conditions may not be effective.

Other names for Lithospermum include: Koushikon, Shikon, Shiunko, Gromwell, Pearl Plant, Western Gromwell, Puccoon, Western Stoneseed, and Stoneseed.

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 Lithospermum you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Lithospermum. 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 Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need.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 Lithospermum without talking to your doctor first if you are taking:

• Medicines used for mental disorders (examples: haloperidol (Haldol(R)), pimozide (Orap(R)), molindone (Moban(R)), thioridazine (Mellaril(R)))
• Medicines used for Parkinson's disease (examples: ropinirole (Requip(R)), pramipexole (Mirapex(R)), pergolide (Permax(R)), bromocriptine (Parlodel(R)), levodopa (Sinemet(R)), amantadine (Symmetrel(R)))

Warnings:

• Before taking Lithospermum, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you have a thyroid disorder or other hormone disorder, you should not take Lithospermum without first asking your health care professional.

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.

• Lithospermum may reduce hormone levels including thyroid hormone levels (2)

References:
1. Felter HW & Lloyd JU: King's American Dispensatory, 18th ed. Eclectic Medical Publications, Sandy, OR; 1983:1198-1199.
2. Zeller FJ & Breneman WR: The in vivo effect of Lithospermum ruderale on LHRH activity in the chick. Contraception 1981; 24(1):77-81.