echinacea purpurea at a glance
Medicine class
Traditional herbal medicinal product
Usual role
Relief of common-cold and influenza-type symptoms based on traditional use
Age
The selected tablet is unsuitable for children under 12 years
Form
An oral, uncoated tablet containing a dry ethanolic extract of Echinacea purpurea root
What is echinacea purpurea used for?
The selected UK product is registered based on traditional use rather than demonstrated clinical efficacy.
Relief of symptoms associated with the common cold and influenza-type infections
How does echinacea purpurea work?
The root extract is thought to influence immune responses, but its clinically relevant mechanism and active components are not established. Preparations using different species, plant parts or extraction methods may not behave identically.
How to take echinacea purpurea
This formulation is taken by mouth. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact product because echinacea preparations differ.
Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or a high fever develops.
Check with a pharmacist or prescriber before use if you take other medicines or have a long-term condition.
echinacea purpurea side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reactions, including rash, hives or swelling
- Angioedema, bronchospasm, asthma or anaphylactic shock
- Severe skin reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders have been reported, although causality is uncertain
- Reduced white-cell count has been reported with prolonged use
echinacea purpurea in pregnancy
Use of the selected product during pregnancy is not recommended because safety information is insufficient. Limited observations have not identified harm, but important uncertainties remain. Discuss exposure or intended use with a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber.
echinacea purpurea while breastfeeding
Use while breastfeeding is not recommended because there is insufficient evidence to establish safety. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about alternatives for cold symptoms.
echinacea purpurea interactions
The selected product must not be combined with immunosuppressant treatment.
Ciclosporin
Do not use together because echinacea's immune-stimulating activity may oppose immunosuppression.
Methotrexate
Do not use together when methotrexate is being used as an immunosuppressant.
Other immunosuppressants
Avoid combined use and check with the treating specialist or pharmacist.
Common questions about echinacea purpurea
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is echinacea purpurea licensed to prevent colds?
Not for the selected product. Its registered role is symptom relief based on traditional use; prevention studies across varied products have not shown a clear clinically important benefit.
Can children take echinacea purpurea tablets?
The selected tablet must not be used in children under 12 years.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.