GENERIC NAME: YERBA MATE (Ilex paraguayensis) - ORAL
USES: Yerba mate has been used as a stimulant, an antidepressant, and as a "water pill" (a diuretic to increase urination). Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details regarding the particular brand you use. The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
HOW TO USE: Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Limit both the daily intake and length of yerba mate use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
SIDE EFFECTS: Flushing, nausea, vomiting, irritability, nervousness, increased urination and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, fever, muscle twitching, unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using this product: liver disease, high blood pressure. Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Caution is advised when using this product in children, as they may experience more side effects. Yerba mate is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: theophylline, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide), cimetidine, certain quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, enoxacin), verapamil, stimulants (e.g., adrenaline-like drugs such as methylphenidate, pseudoephedrine). Check all medicine labels carefully, especially "diet pills" (appetite suppressants) as well as cough-and-cold preparations since many contain stimulants (e.g., phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, cola).
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.