Black Cohosh: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings (2024)

• Uses
  • What Is Black Cohosh and How Does It Work?
• Dosages
  • Dosages of Black Cohosh
• Side Effects
  • What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Black Cohosh ?
• Drug Interactions
  • What Other Drugs Interact with Black Cohosh ?
• Warnings and Precautions
  • What Are Warnings and Precautions for Black Cohosh ( Vasostrict, ADH)?

What Is Black Cohosh and How Does It Work?

Black Cohosh suggested uses include cough, sore throat, painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea), indigestion/heartburn, labor induction, menopausal symptoms, nervous tension, premenstrual syndrome, and rheumatism.

Black Cohosh is likely effective for menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

Black Cohosh is possibly effective for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea).

Black Cohosh is available under the following different brand and other names: Actaea racemosa, baneberry, black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, Cimicifuga racemosa, macrotys, rattle root, rattlesnake root, rattletop, rattleweed, rheumatism weed, and squawroot.

Dosages of Black Cohosh

Suggested Dosing

Dried root: 300-2000 mg orally three times daily

Extract: 0.3-2 mL orally daily; 1:1, 90% alcohol

Tincture: 2-4 mL orally daily; 1:10, 60% alcohol

Tablet: 20-80 mg orally twice daily; standardized to 1 mg triterpene glycosides/20 mg tablet

What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Black Cohosh ?

Side effects of Black Cohosh include:

• Cramping
• Dizziness
• Gastrointestinal (GI) upset
• Headache
• Sweating
• Weight gain
• Rash
• Fast heart rate (overdose)
• CNS disturbances
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Visual disturbances

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

What Other Drugs Interact with Black Cohosh ?

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Black Cohosh has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
• Serious interactions of black cohosh include:
  • daclizumab
• Black Cohosh has no known moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild interactions of black cohosh include:
  • nevirapine
  • tamoxifen
  • tenofovir DF
  • zidovudine

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

What Are Warnings and Precautions for Black Cohosh ( Vasostrict, ADH)?

Warnings

• This medication contains black cohosh. Do not take Actaea racemosa, baneberry, black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, Cimicifuga racemosa, macrotys, rattle root, rattlesnake root, rattletop, rattleweed, rheumatism weed, or squawroot if you are allergic to black cohosh or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Breast cancer, endometrial cancer, endometriosis, hormone sensitive conditions, ovarian cancer, pregnancy, lactation, uterine fibroids

Effects of Drug Abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Black Cohosh?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Black Cohosh?"

Cautions

• May be associated with liver damage

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Black cohosh is considered unsafe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.