Generic name:
Green tea (camellia sinensis) - oral
green tea leaf extract 250 mg capsule
Green tea contains caffeine and it has been used to increase alertness. Green tea has also been used to reduce the risk of cancer, to lower cholesterol, and to reduce the risk or delay Parkinson's disease.
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.
Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as headache, mental/mood changes such as irritability/nervousness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used green tea for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
This product can decrease the amount of iron you get from food/supplements. If you have low iron levels, do not take green tea with meals or iron supplements. Take this product between meals.
If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, and dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, contact your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as nervousness, confusion)
- trouble sleeping
- restlessness
- shakiness (tremor)
- seizures
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking green tea, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product:
- anemia (iron deficiency anemia)
- bleeding problems
- diabetes
- a certain eye condition (glaucoma)
- heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, recent heart attack)
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, reflux disease-GERD)
- liver problems
- mental/mood disorder (such as anxiety, panic attacks)
- low levels of calcium in the blood
- bone problems such as osteoporosis
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 using this product safely.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this product, especially the effects of caffeine in this product.
During pregnancy, consult your doctor before using this product. Green tea contains caffeine. It is recommended that women limit caffeine during pregnancy. This product may also decrease folic acid. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This product may pass into breast milk and have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some drugs that may interact with this product are:
- "blood thinners" (such as warfarin)
- theophylline
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products, diet aids, headache medicines) because they may contain caffeine or other stimulants (such as ephedra/ma huang, phenylpropanolamine) that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
While taking this product, avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (such as coffee, tea, certain soft drinks) or eating large amounts of chocolate.
This product may interfere with certain medical/lab tests (such as chemical stress tests using adenosine/dipyridamole, urine tests for calcium/catecholamines, lung function test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this product.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: seizures, irregular heartbeat.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications and herbal products away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Information last revised May 2024.
Copyright(c) 2024 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.