Pronunciation: MILK THIH sull

What is the most important information I should know about milk thistle?

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.

What is milk thistle?

Milk thistle is a plant also known as Artichaut Sauvage, Cardo Lechoso, Cardui Mariae, Carduus marianus, Chardon Argenté, Chardon de Marie, Épine Blanche, Holy Thistle, Lady's Thistle, Lait de Notre-Dame, Legalon, Marian Thistle, Mariendistel, Mary Thistle, Shui Fei Ji, Silibinin, Silybe de Marie, Silybum, Silymarin, and other names.

Milk thistle has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating heartburn, or seasonal allergy symptoms. Milk thistle may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating malaria, mushroom poisoning, spleen or gallbladder problems, menstrual problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C), and other conditions.

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

Milk thistle 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.

Milk thistle may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking milk thistle?

You should not use this product if you are allergic to milk thistle or if you have:

  • past or present cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary; or
  • a history of endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

  • an allergy to plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.

Before taking milk thistle, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical conditions, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Milk thistle may not be recommended in some situations.

It is not known whether milk thistle will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether milk thistle passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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

How should I take milk thistle?

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 milk thistle, 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.

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

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with milk thistle 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 milk thistle 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 taking milk thistle?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of milk thistle?

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.

Common side effects may include:

  • indigestion, bloating, gas, stomach pain;
  • diarrhea; or
  • nausea, loss of appetite.

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.

What other drugs will affect milk thistle?

Do not take milk thistle without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions:

  • any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis);
  • anxiety or depression;
  • arthritis pain, occasional pain, or tension headaches (including Advil, Motrin, or Celebrex);
  • asthma or allergies;
  • cancer;
  • erectile dysfunction;
  • heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
  • high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition;
  • migraine headaches;
  • psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;
  • a psychiatric disorder; or
  • seizures.

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

Where can I get more 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.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2017 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01. Revision date: 10/9/2014.

Your use of the content provided in this service indicates that you have read, understood and agree to the End-User License Agreement, which can be accessed by clicking on this link.