Saw Palmetto is the name of a palm-like plant that grows in the southeast US. The berries are then extracted to use for medicinal purposes, as it has been found to be effective in lowering a male hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a male hormone commonly found in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male hair loss. Saw palmetto works by inhibiting an enzyme to lower the concentration of DHT in the body. It may be helpful to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, probably in combination with other drugs like Tamsulosin.
Saw palmetto is available as capsules. The recommended dosage is 160 mg twice daily or 320 mg once daily, taken at the same time of the day.
Saw Palmetto is likely safe and only causes some mild side effects in rare cases, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and dizziness. Also, it may cause lower abdominal pain, especially when taken on an empty stomach.
People who are allergic to Saw Palmetto or any component of the formulation.
Common dosing schedule:
Take 320 mg Saw Palmetto per day at the same time of the day.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Saw Palmetto may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Saw Palmetto is an over-the-counter medicine and can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Saw Palmetto in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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