Silymarin: Indication, Dosage, Side Effect, Precaution

Generic Medicine Info Patient Medicine Information

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Malaysia prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Oral
Hepatic diseases

Adult: As supportive treatment: Usual dose: 140 mg bid or tid. Dosage and recommended therapeutic indications may vary among individual products or between countries (refer to local detailed product guidelines).

Administration

Should be taken with food.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

Pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions

Significant: Hypersensitivity reactions.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Diarrhoea, dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal pain or bloating, flatulence.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Anorexia.
Nervous system disorders: Headache.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Pruritus.

Drug Interactions

May increase the serum levels of metronidazole.

Action

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Silymarin, an active ingredient extracted from the fruit and seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), is claimed to have hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. It is composed of a complex of flavonolignans, including silibinin (major component), silidianin, and silicristin. Silymarin is believed to protect the liver by stabilising cell membranes, thereby inhibiting the entry of various toxins into liver cells. It may also promote hepatocyte growth and prevent oxidation and inflammation in the liver.
Pharmacokinetics:
Metabolism: Metabolised in the liver.
Excretion: Mainly via bile (>80% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates); urine (3-7%). Elimination half-life: Approx 6 hours.

Chemical Structure

Storage

Store below 30°C.

MIMS Class

Cholagogues, Cholelitholytics & Hepatic Protectors

ATC Classification

A05BA03 - silymarin ; Belongs to the class of drugs used in liver therapy.

References

Gillessen A, Schmidt HH. Silymarin as Supportive Treatment in Liver Diseases: A Narrative Review. Adv Ther. 2020;37:1279-1301. doi: 10.1007/s12325-020-01251-y. Accessed 25/04/2023

Anon. Milk Thistle. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 21/03/2023.

Buckingham R (ed). Milk Thistle. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 21/03/2023.

Hepavit (Littman Drug Corp). MIMS Philippines. http://www.mims.com/philippines. Accessed 25/04/2023.

Legalon (Viatris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). MIMS Philippines. http://www.mims.com/philippines. Accessed 21/03/2023.

Legalon 140 mg Capsules (Madaus GmbH). MIMS Thailand. http://www.mims.com/thailand. Accessed 25/04/2023.

Samarin Tablets (Berlin Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd.). MIMS Thailand. http://www.mims.com/thailand. Accessed 25/04/2023.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Silymarin from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com