Daily Balance Vein Answer by Doctor's Preferred, Inc.

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Oral diosmin, as part of a micronized purified flavonoid fraction, seems to be beneficial for reducing symptoms of CVI. It is unclear if oral diosmin alone is beneficial. Details: Most clinical research shows that taking 2-3 tablets daily of a specific combination product (Daflon 500, Les Laboratoires Servier) containing micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF), providing diosmin 450 mg and other flavonoids, such as hesperidin, 50 mg per tablet, for 2-6 months modestly improves symptoms of chronic venous diseases such as varicose veins and CVI, including leg pain, heaviness, swelling, and cramps, when compared with baseline or placebo (50892,54755,54799,98597,98609). Additionally, a large clinical study in patients with CVI shows that results are similar when a chewable form of this product taken 1000 mg daily (Daflon 1000, Les Laboratoires Servier) is compared with 500 mg tablets taken twice daily (112796). An observational study in adults with advanced CVI suggests that taking MPFF 1000 mg, consisting of 90% micronized diosmin and 10% other flavonoids, daily for 6 months in addition to conservative treatment, mainly compression therapy, is associated with improved symptoms (e.g., varicose veins, venous edema, pain) and reduced subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness when compared to baseline (112795). The validity of these findings is limited by a lack of a comparator group. In patients with mild to moderate pelvic venous disorder due to valvular incompetence, two preliminary clinical trials show that this same combination product is beneficial for reducing pain and other symptoms (105287,108150). In one study, taking 1000 mg daily for 2 months modestly improves quality of life and reduces most symptoms, including pain, tenderness, edema, heaviness, and discomfort, when compared with placebo (108150). Other preliminary clinical research shows that dosing based on severity as either 1000 mg daily for 2 months or 1000 mg twice daily for one month and then 1000 mg once daily for an additional month, reduces pelvic pain by a moderate and large amount, respectively, when compared to baseline. The average time to pain relief was 13.7 or 3.1 days, respectively, for each dosing group. Pelvic venous congestion was reduced more in the higher dose group as calculated following transvaginal and transabdominal duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of the pelvic veins (105287). Micronized diosmin in combination with other flavonoids has also been compared with non-micronized diosmin alone. Although taking non-micronized diosmin 900 mg daily modestly improved clinical symptoms when compared with baseline in early research, taking 1000 mg of micronized purified flavonoid fraction daily for 2 months was more effective (54935,54950). However, more recent preliminary clinical research in a well-defined patient population with pre-CVI symptoms shows that taking one tablet of a specific non-micronized diosmin (Flebodia, Laboratoire Innotech International) 600 mg daily for 6 months is as effective for reducing leg pain, fatigue, swelling, or tension as taking 1000 mg daily of micronized purified flavonoid fraction providing diosmin plus other flavonoids (Daflon, Laboratórios Servier do Brasil Ltda.) (105293). Also, in a mixed population with pre-CVI and CVI, clinical research shows that taking a specific diosmin (as µsmin Plus, Giellepi S.p.A.) 450 mg once daily for 8 weeks reduces edema by approximately 4% when compared with placebo. Additionally, 98% of patients taking this diosmin product experienced symptom relief, compared with only 29% of those taking placebo (105294). The discrepancy in these findings may be related to the different products used or the severity of disease in the included patient populations.
• Hemorrhoids. Oral diosmin, as part of a micronized purified flavonoid fraction or in combination with other compounds, seems to be beneficial for hemorrhoids. Details: A meta-analysis of the available research, as well as individual clinical trials, show that taking three tablets of a specific combination product (Daflon 500, Les Laboratoires Servier), containing diosmin 450 mg plus other flavonoids, such as hesperidin, 50 mg per tablet, twice daily for 4-5 days followed by two tablets of this same product twice daily for up to 3 months, improves signs and symptoms of internal hemorrhoids. The combination appears to stop acute bleeding in up to 92% of patients after 4 days of treatment. It may also reduce symptoms such as anal discomfort, pain, discharge, and local lesions within 2 days of treatment. The combination also seems to reduce the duration and intensity of hemorrhoidal flare-ups (4861,4900,8077,54970,105282) and improve recovery after hemorrhoidopexy or hemorrhoidectomy (54793,105284). Maintenance treatment with one tablet of this product twice daily for 2-3 months following acute treatment for hemorrhoids decreases the relapse rate and improves symptoms, including pain, itching, tenesmus, mucous discharge, redness, swelling, and bleeding (4861,54954). Diosmin has also been evaluated in combination with hesperidin and troxerutin. Clinical research in adults with acute hemorrhoidal crisis shows that taking a combination product (Triade H, Omikron Italia Srl) providing these ingredients in tapered doses over 43 days reduces progressive pain in approximately 88% of patients, bleeding in 64% of patients, and anal itching in 56% of patients. These changes are significant when compared with placebo (93885). This product was given as one sachet of powdered diosmin 300 mg, troxerutin 300 mg, hesperidin 300 mg, and vitamin C 12 mg mixed in water orally three times daily for 3 days, then two sachets daily for 2 days, then one sachet daily for seven days, followed by one tablet containing diosmin 300 mg, troxerutin 300 mg, and hesperidin 100 mg daily for one month. Diosmin has also been evaluated in combination with bulk laxatives. Diosmin 600 mg three times daily for 4 days, then 300 mg twice daily for 10 more days in conjunction with psyllium 11 grams daily, seems to modestly improve symptoms after 4 days of treatment (4898). However, this combination does not seem to be as effective as the use of micronized purified flavonoid fraction.
• Venous leg ulcers. Oral diosmin, as part of a micronized purified flavonoid fraction, seems to be beneficial for venous leg ulcers. Details: Clinical research in adults with venous leg ulcers up to 10 cm in size shows that taking two tablets daily of a specific combination product (Daflon 500, Les Laboratoires Servier), containing diosmin 450 mg plus other flavonoids, such as hesperidin, 50 mg per tablet for 2 months in conjunction with compression dressing more than doubles the number of patients with complete healing of ulcers when compared with placebo. Also, the time to healing was reduced. However, in one study there was no effect on the ulcer surface area, symptoms, or healing of ulcers greater than 10 cm in size (10229,54972,54984).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Back pain. It is unclear if oral diosmin is beneficial for back pain. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with radicular low back pain shows that taking diosmin (Nanjing Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd) moderately improves subjective pain scores after 8 weeks and reduces the use of rescue analgesics after 24 months similarly to intravenous dexamethasone every 3 days with monthly administration of mannitol. Diosmin was administered at doses of 900 mg orally three times daily for 2 weeks, then 900 mg twice daily for 2 weeks, then 450 mg twice daily for one month (95043).
• Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). It is unclear if oral diosmin, as part of a micronized purified flavonoid fraction, is beneficial for CPPS. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking one tablet daily of a specific combination product containing diosmin 450 mg plus other flavonoids, such as hesperidin, 50 mg per tablet (Daflon) for 8 weeks in combination with standard treatment involving antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs improves overall symptoms of CPPS at 6 months similarly to taking alfuzosin, an alpha-blocker, along with standard treatment for 12 weeks. However, there was no benefit when the diosmin product was used alone, without standard treatment. At 12 months, symptoms were modestly more improved in those taking alfuzosin (105297).
• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. It is unclear if oral diosmin, as part of a micronized purified flavonoid fraction, is beneficial for patients undergoing CABG surgery. Details: In patients about to undergo CABG for impaired left ventricular function, clinical research shows that a specific combination product containing diosmin 450 mg plus other flavonoids, such as hesperidin, 50 mg per tablet (Daflon 500, Les Laboratoires Servier), taken as 3000 mg daily for 4 days, followed by 1000 mg daily for 3 days preoperatively, does not reduce the postoperative length of stay in the intensive care unit or hospital, inotropic medication requirements, or left ventricular ejection fraction when compared with placebo. However, levels of troponin I and lactate were lower, and patient status based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification was modestly improved (105285).
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral diosmin, as part of a micronized purified flavonoid fraction or in combination with other compounds, is beneficial for diabetes. Details: Preliminary clinical research in females with type 2 diabetes shows that taking one tablet of a specific combination product containing diosmin 450 mg plus other flavonoids, such as hesperidin, 50 mg per tablet (Daflon 500, Les Laboratoires Servier) twice daily for 45 days modestly decreases glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum glucose when compared to baseline (54977). However, a prospective observational study in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes has found that taking a specific product (Flebotrofine, AMNOL Chimica Biologica) containing diosmin for 3 months is not associated with improvements in HbA1c, cholesterol, or triglyceride levels when compared with baseline. Other ingredients in this product included L-arginine, troxerutin, hesperidin, black currant extract, and gotu kola extract (108151). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Diabetic neuropathy. It is unclear if oral diosmin is beneficial for diabetic neuropathy. Details: A small clinical study in adults with type 2 diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and metabolic syndrome on oral antidiabetic therapy shows that taking diosmin 1 gram daily (Dioven, Amryia Pharmaceutical Co.) for 12 weeks, with or without hesperidin 1 gram daily, improves diabetic neuropathy as measured by the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) when compared with standard care alone. In addition, the improvements in measures of diabetic neuropathy were greater when diosmin and hesperidin are taken together compared with either supplement alone, suggesting a synergistic effect (112797). However, the validity of this study is limited by inadequate blinding.
• Lymphedema. It is unclear if oral diosmin, as part of a micronized purified flavonoid fraction or in combination with other compounds, is beneficial for lymphedema. Details: Clinical research shows that taking two tablets of a specific combination product (Daflon 500, Les Laboratoires Servier) containing diosmin 450 mg plus other flavonoids, such as hesperidin, 50 mg per tablet daily for 6 months may improve drainage of lymph from the arms after breast cancer surgery, but does not reduce arm swelling or other clinical signs of lymphedema, when compared with placebo (10227). A small clinical study in patients with severe breast cancer-related lymphedema shows that taking a specific combination product (Linfaden, OMEGA PHARMA Srl) containing diosmin 200 mg, coumarin 30.6 mg, and arbutin 3.7 mg twice daily for 2 weeks and then once daily for 4 weeks, in addition to complex congestive therapy (CDT), reduces upper limb excess volume by 521 mL, compared with a 256 mL reduction in the CDT-only group (101646). It is unclear if the effects are due to diosmin, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Metabolic syndrome. It is unclear if oral diosmin is beneficial for metabolic syndrome. Details: A small clinical study in adults with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy on oral antidiabetic therapy shows that taking diosmin 1 gram daily (Dioven, Amryia Pharmaceutical Co.) for 12 weeks, with or without hesperidin 1 gram daily, reduces body mass index, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but does not change systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with standard care alone. These effects are enhanced when diosmin is taken in combination with hesperidin compared with either supplement taken alone or control (112797). However, the validity of this study is limited by inadequate blinding.
• Minor bleeding. It is unclear if oral diosmin, as part of a micronized purified flavonoid fraction, is beneficial for minor bleeding. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with idiopathic epistaxis shows that taking a specific combination product containing diosmin 450 mg plus other flavonoids, such as hesperidin, 50 mg (Daflon, Servier) daily for 1-3 months modestly reduces emergency room visits and need for cauterization due to failure of light nasal packing when compared with no treatment (101644). The validity of this study is limited by the lack of blinding.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. It is unclear if oral diosmin is beneficial for reducing the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Details: Observational research in patients at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) following a previous cancellation of embryo transfer has found that taking diosmin 1000 mg twice daily for 10 days after oocyte retrieval is associated with a 6.2% incidence of moderate to severe OHSS, compared to 13.4% in the patients that had not received diosmin. Also, there were no cases of severe OHSS (105295). This study is limited by its retrospective, observational design.
• Varicose veins. It is unclear if oral diosmin, as part of a micronized purified flavonoid fraction, is beneficial for varicose veins. Details: In patients with mild varicose veins such as spider veins or reticular veins, some observational research has evaluated the use of a specific combination product (Detralex; Servier France) containing diosmin 450 mg plus other flavonoids, such as hesperidin, 50 mg per tablet, taken as one tablet twice daily for 6 weeks, starting 2 weeks before sclerotherapy. This research has found that taking this product is associated with decreased leg heaviness, pain, swelling sensation, night cramps, and itching after sclerotherapy when compared with patients not using this treatment. It is also associated with a reduction in pain and swelling sensation from before sclerotherapy when compared with those not using this treatment. Additionally, the use of this product is associated with a slight reduction in hyperpigmentation following sclerotherapy, although there were no benefits on other sclerotherapy-related adverse effects, including phlebitis and necrosis (105283). In patients with varicose veins of greater severity, observational research has found that taking this same product 1000 mg daily for 30 days, starting on the day of mechanochemical ablation with mini-phlebectomy or foam sclerotherapy, is associated with a modest reduction in the severity of varicose veins, such as swelling, heaviness, and itching, after 30 days, but not after 7 or 14 days, when compared with no treatment (105286). For more information on the use of diosmin for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which can occur concomitantly with varicose veins, refer to the CVI discussion.
• Venous thromboembolism (VTE). It is unclear if oral diosmin is beneficial for prevention of VTE. Details: In patients experiencing their first femoropopliteal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), preliminary clinical research shows that taking diosmin 600 mg daily for 12 months, in addition to rivaroxaban and elastic compression stockings, reduces the frequency of post-thrombotic syndrome to 9%, compared to 49% in those not taking diosmin. There were also fewer patients with chronic venous disease or DVT recurrence at 12 months (105296). More evidence is needed to rate diosmin for these uses.

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POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Most clinical research suggests that oral horse chestnut extract reduces symptoms of CVI. Details: Clinical research shows that taking horse chestnut seed extract 300 mg twice daily or providing aescin, a constituent of horse chestnut, 50-75 mg twice daily for up to 12 weeks can reduce some symptoms of CVI, such as varicose veins, pain, tiredness, tension, itching, edema, and swelling in the legs (281,282,283,284,285,12113,55477,55481,55501,55502)(55520,55526,55537). However, some preliminary clinical research suggests that horse chestnut seed extract (Venostasin, Klinge Pharma GmbH) may be less effective than maritime pine bark (Pygnoforton, Plantorgan) for reducing leg swelling, cramps, and a feeling of heaviness in patients with CVI (7693).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is unclear if oral horse chestnut is beneficial for IBS. Details: A small, preliminary clinical trial and retrospective case series show that taking a combination product containing horse chestnut extract 470 mg, quebracho colorado 150 mg, and peppermint oil 0.2 mL (Atrantil, KBS Research, LLC) daily for 2 weeks reduces abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating when compared with baseline in patients with constipation-predominant IBS (95429,95430). The effects of horse chestnut alone are unclear.
• Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis). It is unclear if oral aescin, a constituent of horse chestnut, is beneficial for kidney stones. Details: A large clinical study in outpatient adults in Iraq with a single kidney stone shows that taking aescin, a constituent of horse chestnut, 120 mg daily for 10 days increases the rate of stone expulsion when compared with placebo, but not when compared with prednisolone 25 mg daily. Aescin also decreases the time to stone expulsion and increases the percent of patients experiencing complete pain relief when compared with prednisolone or placebo (110440). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of blinding.
• Male infertility. It is unclear if oral horse chestnut is beneficial for male infertility. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking horse chestnut seed extract 150 mg (Aescuven Forte), containing aescin 30 mg, twice daily for 2 months increases sperm density, but does not improve sperm motility, in men with varicocele-associated infertility (55493). More evidence is needed to rate horse chestnut for these uses.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts found in foods.

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when supplements are used orally and appropriately, short-term. Diosmin seems to be safe when used alone or in combination with other flavonoids in doses of up to 1350 mg daily for up to 6 months (4861,4898,10227,10229,93885,105283,105286,105287,105293,105294)(105296,108150).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts found in foods.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally in doses of up to 900 mg daily for 30 days in combination with other flavonoids, such as hesperidin. Some evidence suggests that taking this combination may be associated with placental insufficiency when used during the third trimester of pregnancy; however, the combination does not seem to induce fetal abnormalities, retard fetal growth, increase the risk of intrauterine death, or affect birth weight. Also, when breastfeeding, this combination does not seem to affect infant growth or feeding (54970).

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LIKELY SAFE ...when standardized horse chestnut seed extracts are used orally and appropriately, short-term. These extracts, from which esculin, a toxic constituent, has been removed (9420), have been used with apparent safety for 2-12 weeks (281,282,283,284,285,12113,95429,95430).

UNSAFE ...when the raw seed, bark, flower, or leaf is used orally. Horse chestnut contains significant amounts of the toxin esculin, and can be lethal (17). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of horse chestnut when used topically, intravenously, or intramuscularly.

CHILDREN: UNSAFE
when the raw seeds, bark, flower, or leaves are used orally. Poisoning has been reported from children drinking tea made with twigs and leaves (9,55528).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: UNSAFE
when the raw seed, bark, flower, or leaf are used orally. Horse chestnut preparations can be lethal (17); avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of horse chestnut seed extract when used during pregnancy and lactation; avoid using.

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, diosmin may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.  Details A case of spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage has been reported for a 77-year-old female after 6 weeks of warfarin therapy, despite an international normalized ratio (INR) of only 1.8. The patient had also been taking aspirin and diosmin for several years. Experts speculate that chronic intake of diosmin predisposed the patient to spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage by inducing chronic microcirculatory hypertension and inhibiting platelet aggregation. The presence of aspirin was also thought to play a role in this event (93886).

CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, diosmin might reduce the effects of carbamazepine and increase the risk for convulsions.  Details A pharmacokinetic study in humans shows that taking diosmin (Venex) 500 mg daily for 10 days prior to oral administration of carbamazepine 200 mg increases blood levels of carbamazepine by approximately 58% and decreases carbamazepine clearance by 42%. It also decreases the formation of carbamazepine's active metabolite. It is speculated that diosmin reduces the metabolism of carbamazepine by inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) (95041).

CHLORZOXAZONE (Parafon Forte, Paraflex) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, diosmin might increase the levels and clinical effects of chlorzoxazone.  Details A pharmacokinetic study in humans shows that taking diosmin (Venex 500) 500 mg daily for 9 days prior to oral administration of chlorzoxazone 250 mg increases blood levels of chlorzoxazone by 53% and decreases chlorzoxazone clearance by 40%. It is speculated that diosmin reduces the metabolism of chlorzoxazone by inhibiting cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) (93889).

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, diosmin might inhibit the metabolism of CYP2C9 substrates.  Details Diclofenac is metabolized by CYP2C9 enzymes. Clinical and laboratory research shows that diosmin inhibits the metabolism of diclofenac (93888,98596). A pharmacokinetic study in humans shows that taking diosmin (Venex 500) 500 mg daily for 9 days prior to oral administration of diclofenac 100 mg increases blood levels of diclofenac and decreases diclofenac clearance (93888).

CYTOCHROME P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, diosmin might inhibit the metabolism of CYP2E1 substrates.  Details Chlorzoxazone is metabolized by CYP2E1 enzymes. A pharmacokinetic study in humans shows that taking diosmin (Venex 500) 500 mg daily for 9 days prior to oral administration of chlorzoxazone (Paraflex 250) 250 mg increases blood levels of chlorzoxazone by 34% and decreases chlorzoxazone clearance by 40%. It is speculated that diosmin reduces the metabolism of chlorzoxazone by inhibiting CYP2E1 (93889).

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, diosmin might inhibit the metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates.  Details Laboratory research is conflicting with respect to the effects of diosmin on CYP3A4. Some research suggests that diosmin does not affect CYP3A4 activity (95040). However, other research suggests that diosmin alters the metabolism of carbamazepine, a CYP3A4 substrate. Laboratory and animal research show that oral administration of diosmin for 7 days prior to oral administration of carbamazepine increases plasma concentrations of carbamazepine, decreases the clearance of carbamazepine, and decreases the formation of carbamazepine's active metabolite (95039). Additionally, pharmacokinetic research in healthy male subjects shows that taking diosmin (Venex) 500 mg daily for 10 days prior to oral administration of carbamazepine 200 mg increases blood levels of carbamazepine by approximately 58% and decreases carbamazepine clearance by 42% (95041). It is speculated that diosmin reduces the metabolism of carbamazepine by inhibiting CYP3A4 (95039,95041). Diosmetin, a metabolite of diosmin, may also inhibit CYP3A4 (95041).

DICLOFENAC (Voltaren, others) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, diosmin might increase the levels and clinical effects of diclofenac.  Details Clinical and laboratory research shows that diosmin inhibits the metabolism of diclofenac (93888,98596). A pharmacokinetic study in humans shows that taking diosmin (Venex 500) 500 mg daily for 9 days prior to oral administration of diclofenac 100 mg increases blood levels of diclofenac and decreases diclofenac clearance. It is speculated that diosmin reduces the metabolism of diclofenac by inhibiting cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) (93888).

FEXOFENADINE (Allegra) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, diosmin might increase the levels and clinical effects of fexofenadine.  Details A pharmacokinetic study in humans shows that taking diosmin (Venex) 500 mg daily for 10 days prior to oral administration of fexofenadine 120 mg increases blood levels of fexofenadine by approximately 49% and decreases the apparent oral clearance of fexofenadine by 41%. The time taken to reach maximum plasma concentration, the half-life, and the apparent renal clearance of fexofenadine are not affected. For this reason, it is speculated that diosmin alters the pharmacokinetics of fexofenadine via inhibition of P-glycoprotein in the intestine, but not in the kidney or liver (95042).

P-GLYCOPROTEIN SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, diosmin might increase levels of drugs that are substrates of P-glycoprotein (P-gp).  Details Preliminary laboratory research suggests that diosmin inhibits P-gp (93890). Additionally, pharmacokinetic research in healthy male subjects shows that taking diosmin (Venex) 500 mg daily for 10 days prior to oral administration of fexofenadine 120 mg increases blood levels of fexofenadine, a P-gp substrate, by approximately 49% and decreases the apparent oral clearance of fexofenadine by 41%. The time taken to reach maximum plasma concentration, the half-life, and the apparent renal clearance of fexofenadine are not affected. For this reason, it is speculated that diosmin inhibits P-gp in the intestine, but not in the kidney or liver (95042).

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Horse chestnut may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.  Details Horse chestnut contains the constituent esculin which has been shown to have antithrombotic effects. Therefore, horse chestnut might have antiplatelet effects (19). This has not been shown in humans.

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General ...Orally, diosmin is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, gastritis, nausea, skin inflammation, and skin redness.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Cardiac arrhythmias and hemolytic anemia.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, diosmin can cause cardiac arrhythmias (93887,105293).

Dermatologic ...Orally, diosmin can cause skin redness, hives, itchiness, and inflammation (93887).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, diosmin can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, and gastritis (4861,4898,4900,10229,54935,54970,93887,105287,105293,105296)(112796). In one case, exacerbation of chronic colopathy was reported after taking a specific diosmin-containing product (Daflon 500, Les Laboratoires Servier) (10229).

Hematologic ...Orally, diosmin can cause hemolytic anemia (93887).

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, one case report of muscle pain was thought to be related to diosmin use (93887).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, diosmin can cause headache, low energy, and dizziness in some patients (4861,4898,4900,10229,93887,105293,112796).

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General ...Orally, horse chestnut seed extract, from which the toxic constituent esculin has been removed, seems to be well-tolerated. Topically, no adverse effects have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally (extract): Dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, headache, and pruritus.
Orally (seed or bark): Gastrointestinal irritation and toxic nephropathy.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, there is one case report of pericardial tamponade following exudative pericardial effusion in a previously healthy 32-year-old male who consumed three boxes of horse chestnut paste over 6 weeks. The patient was treated with steroid therapy for 2 months, as well as colchicine 0.5 mg twice daily and ibuprofen 600 mg twice daily for 3 months. These cardiovascular events were considered to be possibly related to the antiplatelet activity of horse chestnut or to an immunologic response to antigens present in horse chestnut paste (91972). A case of atrial fibrillation is also reported in a previously healthy 46-year-old male after accidental ingestion of a horse chestnut seed. The patient also presented with abdominal pain, nausea, sweating, and palpitations. The arrhythmia resolved within a few hours without medical intervention (110439).

Dermatologic ...Orally, horse chestnut seed extract has been reported to cause pruritus (282,12113,55486).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, horse chestnut seed extract has been reported to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, dry mouth, gastrointestinal upset, and dyspepsia (282,12113,55477,55486,55493,55520,110439).

Hepatic ...Orally, there is one case report of hepatotoxicity in a 69-year-old female who took 6-15 tablets of a specific product (Venencapsan) containing horse chestnut leaf, milfoil, celandine, sweet clover, milk thistle, and dandelion root daily for 6 weeks. The patient's symptoms disappeared 6 weeks after discontinuing the product and reappeared following re-initiation (55518). Another case report describes a 70-year-old male presenting with acholia, choluria, and jaundice after 3 weeks of self-treatment with an unspecified dose of a specific combination product (Venenkraft) containing horse chestnut. The patient presented with elevated liver transaminase and bilirubin levels, and was diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury. Following discontinuation, laboratory values and symptoms progressively resolved (107702). In both of these case reports, it is unclear if hepatotoxicity was due to horse chestnut, another ingredient, or the combination.
Intravenously and intramuscularly, isolated cases of liver toxicity have occurred after administration of horse chestnut extract containing aescin (2,512,552).

Immunologic ...Pollen from the horse chestnut flower can cause allergic reactions in children (7775). Horse chestnut can also cause hypersensitivity reactions, which occur more commonly in people who are allergic to latex (7853,8418).
Rectally, the horse chestnut constituent esculin has caused severe allergic contact dermatitis and proctitis in a 38-year old man (10383).
Intravenously, administration of aescin can cause anaphylaxis (18,553).

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, calf spasms have been reported in patients with CVI who took horse chestnut seed extract (282).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, horse chestnut seed extract has been reported to cause headache or dizziness (55486,55520).

Renal ...Orally, high doses of aescin have been reported to cause kidney toxicity (55525). Horse chestnut seed and bark can cause toxic nephropathy (4). A case of life-threatening kidney rupture occurred in a patient who was taking horse chestnut seed extract and had been diagnosed with angiomyolipoma, a condition characterized by increased risk of kidney rupture with hemorrhage. The rupture was attributed to the anticoagulant effects of horse chestnut seed extract, which may have increased the risk of hemorrhage (55496).
Intravenously, isolated cases of kidney toxicity have occurred after administration of horse chestnut containing aescin (512).

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