Gamma Linolenic Acid
Molecule Description
Gamma Linolenic Acid is a substance found in plant seed oils like the evening p
rimrose oil, borage oil and black currant. It is an Omega-6 fatty acid which is a building block for all lipids. People use this as a medicine to reduce inflammatory response.
Uses of Gamma Linolenic Acid
- Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage causing pain in those suffering from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes)
- Eczema (condition that makes your skin red and itchy)
- Psoriasis (a condition in which the skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches)
- Systemic sclerosis (hardening and tightening of the skin)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Cancer like breast cancer
- Depression, ADHD, depression after childbirth
- Long-time fatigue syndrome
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
Contraindications of Gamma Linolenic Acid
When should one not use Gamma Linolenic Acid
- If you are allergic to this medicine
- If you are scheduled for any major surgery and there is a risk of more bleeding
- If you suffer from bleeding disorders
Side effects of Gamma Linolenic Acid
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Allergic reaction like - fever, chills, rash, hives, breathing difficulty, swelling over your face, lips and throat
- Bleeding, bruising by making the blood take longer to clot
- Belching, gas, diarrhea, soft stool
Precautions and Warnings of Gamma Linolenic Acid
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Gamma Linolenic Acid during pregnancy?
A:
You should not take this medicine during pregnancy. It is because the safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Gamma Linolenic Acid while breastfeeding?
A:
It is probably unsafe to take this medicine if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed as there is not enough reliable information.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Gamma Linolenic Acid?
A:
No specific information available
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Gamma Linolenic Acid?
A:
No specific information available
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- If you have severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (life threatening condition)
- Be informed to your concerned doctor immediately if you have conditions like rash or itching to skin, abnormal voice changes, trouble in breathing, trouble in swallowing or in case any swelling to your hands, face or mouth while taking this medicine...
- Before surgery regarding all the products you use (including prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines and herbal products)
Mode of Action of Gamma Linolenic Acid
How Does It Work?
Since Gamma Linolenic Acid is an Omega-6 fatty acid, the body converts this into substances that decrease inflammation and cell growth.
Interactions of Gamma Linolenic Acid
Interactions with other medicines
- Anti-blood clotting and anti-coagulant medicines like Diclofenac, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc. These medicines, when taken along with Gamma Linolenic Acid, might result in bleeding and bruising
- Phenothiazines medicines like Fluphenazine, Chlorpromazine, Trifluoperazine, etc. when taken with Gamma Linolenic Acid might increase the risk of having a convulsion in some patients
Interactions with food items
No information is available on interactions of this medicine when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.
Dosage of Gamma Linolenic Acid
Overdose
Research reveals little or no information regarding toxic effects with overdose of this product. Nevertheless, seek emergency medical care immediately if you overdose.
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as early as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for a missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Abhishek B L
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Gamma Linolenic Acid?
- You must inform your doctor if you are suffering from any bleeding disorder
- If you are allergic to Gamma Linolenic Acid
- If you are scheduled for any surgery
- Also mention to your doctor all the prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations and nutritional supplements that you may be taking, before starting this medication
Q: When and how to consume this medicine?
- You must take medicine precisely the way it is prescribed by the physician
- Follow the instructions mentioned on the prescription label
- Do not alter the dose unless recommended by your doctor. Do not take it longer or shorter than advised
References
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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