Kava
- SCIENTIFIC NAME: Piper methysticum
- INDICATIONS: Psychosis, depression, headache, migraines, colds, rheumatism, cystitis, vaginal prolapse, otitis, abscesses, antistress, analgesic, local anesthetic, anticonvulsant
- SYNONYM: Piperaceae
- CLASS: Anxiolytic
- HALF-LIFE: N/A
CLINICALLY IMPORTANT, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INTERACTIONS WITH:
Alcohol, Alprazolam, Amitriptyline, Benzodiazepines
PREGNANCY CATEGORY: N/A
Products containing kava have been implicated in cases of severe liver toxicity. Serious adverse effects include hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver failure. At least one patient required a liver transplant. Kava has now been banned in many countries
Kava was discovered by Captain Cook, who named the plant “intoxicating pepper.” In the South Pacific, kava is a popular social drink, similar to alcohol in Western societies.
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SKIN.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
GASTROINTESTINAL/HEPATIC.
OCULAR.
OTHER.
Page last updated 07/31/2023
Symbol key
Incidence
- <1%
- 1-5%
- 5-10%
- 10-15%
- 15-20%
- 20-30%
- >30%
Warnings in other populations
- Breast feeding
- Geriatric
- Pediatric