Garlic

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 22, 2024.

What are other common names?

Allium sativum
Aged Garlic Extract
Ail
Ajo
Allium
Camphor of the Poor
Clove Garlic
Da-Suan
Garlic Clove
Garlic Oil
La-Suan
Nectar of the Gods
Poor Man's Treacle
Poorman's Treacle
Rason
Rust Treacle
Rustic Treacle
Stinking Rose

What is this product used for?

Garlic is a vegetable and is also sold as a dietary supplement. Garlic may help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. It may also help lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. Garlic may lower cholesterol in some people. It may also protect your immune system from damaging healthy cells.

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 drugs or other 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.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.
Take care if you use this product while breastfeeding.
Take this product with food to decrease stomach and bowel side effects.
Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.
Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase, reteplase, or streptokinase.
Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Take extra care if you are taking drugs that lower your blood sugar. These are drugs like glipizide, acarbose, metformin, or rosiglitazone.
Take extra care if you are taking drugs to treat or prevent HIV.
Take extra care if you are allergic to pollens or plants like lilies, amaryllis, or asparagus.
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:
- Asthma
- Bleeding problems
- Blood pressure problems
- Diabetes
- HIV

What should I watch for?

Upset stomach
Stomach cramps
Heartburn
Bloating
Increased gas
May cause body odor or bad breath
Mouth sores
Rash or burns if applied to skin

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; fever; rash; hives; itching, discolored, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
Signs of low blood pressure. These include feeling dizzy, weak, or tired; fainting; more thirst; or skin that is pale, cool, and clammy.
Signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.
Very bad throwing up
Very bad loose stools
If you notice bloody or black, tar-like stools
Bruising or bleeding that is not normal
Changes in menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles

Last Reviewed Date

2023-06-15

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