Bitter Melon

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 15, 2025.

What are other common names?

• Momordica charantia
• African Cucumber
• Ampalaya
• Art Pumpkin
• Balsam Apple
• Balsam Pear
• Balsambirne
• Balsamine
• Balsamo
• Bitter Apple
• Bitter Cucumber
• Bitter Gourd
• Bitter Melon
• Bitter Squash
• Bittergurke
• Carilla Cundeamor
• Carilla Fruit
• Carilla Gourd
• Cerasee
• Karela
• Margose
• Melon Amer
• Vegetable Insulin
• Wild Cucumber

What is this product used for?

Bitter melon is a vegetable. It is also sold as a dietary supplement product. Some people use it as a medicine but science does not support its use for any health problem.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

• This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

• Do not take this product if you are breastfeeding.

• Do not take this product if you were born with a condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs for blood sugar problems. These are drugs like glipizide, glyburide, rosiglitazone, repaglinide, or insulin.

• If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Liver problems

  • Alcohol problems

  • Metabolic disorders

  • Diabetes

  • Infection

  • Problems with your heart beat or rhythm

What should I watch for?

• Stomach cramps

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of liver problems. These include upset stomach or throwing up, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, not hungry.

• Signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.

• Very bad loose stools

• Very bad headache

Last Reviewed Date

2023-04-27

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