Dong quai

Generic name: dong quai (DON KWAY)
Drug class: Herbal products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 22, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is dong quai?

Dong quai is a plant also known as Angelica China, Angelica sinensis, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Angélique Chinoise, Angélique de Chine, Chinese Angelica, Dang Gui, Danggui, Danguia, Kinesisk Kvan, Ligustilides, Radix Angelicae Gigantis, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Tang Kuei, Tan Kue Bai Zhi, Tanggwi, or Toki.

Dong quai has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating premature ejaculation, when it is combined with other ingredients and applied to the outer skin of the penis before sexual intercourse. Dong quai may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat this condition.

Dong quai has also been used to treat menopause symptoms. However, research has shown that dong quai may not be effective in treating this condition.

Other uses not proven with research have included constipation, psoriasis, anemia, ulcers, joint pain, and high blood pressure.

It is not certain whether dong quai is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Dong quai should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Dong quai is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Dong quai may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Dong quai side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using dong quai and call your healthcare provider at once if you have severe burning, redness, pain, or swelling after use on the skin.

Although not all side effects are known, dong quai is thought to be possibly safe when occasionally applied on the skin.

Stop using dong quai and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Dong quai contains substances that may cause cancer.

You should not use this product if you are allergic to dong quai or if you have:

• past or present cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus;

• a history of endometriosis or uterine fibroids; or

• protein S deficiency.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to take dong quai by mouth or use it on the skin if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.

It is not known whether dong quai will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether dong quai passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

How should I use dong quai?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use dong quai, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

If you use a product containing dong quai to prevent premature ejaculation, apply it only to the outer skin of the tip of your penis. People who have used dong quai for this purpose have applied the product 1 hour before sexual activity, and washed it off just before intercourse.

Do not take topical (for the skin) dong quai by mouth. Topical forms of this product are for use only on the skin.

Do not use different forms (creams, tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of dong quai at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Dong quai can affect blood-clotting and may increase your risk of bleeding. If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, stop taking dong quai at least 2 weeks ahead of time.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with dong quai does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra dong quai to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using dong quai?

Avoid continued use of topical dong quai if you or your sexual partner have severe genital irritation during or after sexual intercourse.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Dong quai can make your skin more sensitive to the sun or increase your risk of skin cancer. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Avoid using dong quai together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes capsicum, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, turmeric, and willow.

What other drugs will affect dong quai?

Do not take dong quai without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or

• other medicine used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and urokinase.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with dong quai, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Further information

• Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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