Generic
Name: Monascus purpureus
Description
Red
Yeast Rice is rice that has been manufactured by the
fermentation of a strain of yeast, Monascus purpureus on rice.
It is assumed to lower cholesterol levels for the reason that
it contains the same chemical as the cholesterol-lowering instruction
drug lovastatin (Mevacor). It has been used by the Chinese for
hundred of years as a food preservative, food color, spice, ingredient
in rice plum and for medicinal purposes. Lately, Red Yeast Rice
has been developed by Chinese and American scientists as a product
to lower blood lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides.
Ingredients
Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, calcium phosphate,
silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate
Uses
Red
Yeast Rice has been used for lowering cholesterol levels.
Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain
possibly harmful impurities. Some of these suggested uses are
for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening.
You should consult a health care provider before using Red Yeast
Rice for any unproven use such as, Anti-inflammatory, Blood circulation
problems, Cancer, Colic in children, Diarrhea, Hangovers, High
blood pressure, Indigestion, Postpartum problems etc.
Recommended Dosage
Red
Yeast Rice is supplied in capsules of varying size. The
usual dosage recommendation is 1,200 milligrams daily divided
into two doses. Do not exceed 2,400 milligrams daily. Take this
medication with food to diminish the digestive trouble. There
is not sufficient scientific verification to recommend Red Yeast
Rice for children (younger than 18 years).
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately.
Missed Dose
No information is available about a missed dose of Red
Yeast Rice. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health
care professional if you require further information.
Side Effects
Stomach upset
or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen,
contact your doctor promptly. Side effects of red yeast rice are
unusual but can include headache, Stomach ache and/or bloating,
Gas, Dizziness, and Heartburn. If you have any of these very unlikely
but serious side effects: weakness, muscle pain, fever, dark urine,
yellowing eyes/skin then tell your doctor immediately.
Precautions
If you have
any liver problems consult your doctor before using this product.
Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol.
Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or
liver disease. Because there limited information about the protection
of Red Yeast Rice when it is used over a comprehensive period
of time, it is best to limit its use to short term. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist about the safe use of this product.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Prescription drugs with similar chemicals as Red Yeast
Rice cannot be used during pregnancy. Because generous
supplies of cholesterol are needed by a developing baby, you should
strictly avoid Red Yeast Rice during pregnancy. It should also
be avoided while breastfeeding.
Storage
The storage information is printed on the package. If you have
any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist.