lavender

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:  

Action:  

Antiseptic – The drug has antiseptic properties that can help prevent infections and promote healing of wounds. 

Analgesic – The drug has analgesic properties that can help relieve pain and inflammation. 

Anti-inflammatory – The drug has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and inflammation. 

Spectrum:  

Respiratory – The drug can help relieve respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and congestion. 

Skin – The drug can help improve skin health and appearance, and is often used in skincare products to treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined. 

sun sensitivity and allergic skin reaction 

Large oral doses have been associated with nausea, vomiting and anorexia. 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Allergic reactions: patients who have allergy lavender or other plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as mint or sage. Allergic reactions may include rash, itching, hives, or difficulty breathing. 

Hormonal effects: The drug may have hormonal effects on the body, particularly in people with hormone-related conditions such as breast cancer or endometriosis. It is best to avoid using lavender in these cases. 

Sedative effects: The drug may have sedative effects on the body. 

Medications: The drug may interact with certain medications, such as sedatives or antidepressants.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

The pharmacological effects of lavender are intricate and comprise several mechanisms of action such as modulation of the GABA receptor, suppression of COX-2 activity, and antimicrobial properties.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

Sedative effect: The relaxing and calming impact of lavender on the nervous system is linked to its capability to enhance the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. 

This leads to a reduction in anxiety, agitation, and insomnia. 

Anxiolytic effect: The drug has been shown to reduce anxiety in both clinical and experimental studies. The capability of lavender to modulate the activity of the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems in the brain is believed to be responsible for its anxiolytic impact. 

Analgesic effect: lavender has been used traditionally for its analgesic properties, and recent studies have confirmed its effectiveness in reducing pain. The analgesic effect of lavender is believed to be due to its ability to block pain signals in the brain and to reduce inflammation in the body. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

 lavender essential oil is primarily absorbed through inhalation or topical application. When applied topically, it can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, lavender oil is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. It can also cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the central nervous system. 

Metabolism 

lavender oil undergoes metabolism in the liver, where it is broken down into various metabolites. The primary metabolites are linalool and linalyl acetate, which are further metabolized and eliminated from the body. 

Excretion and elimination 

 The metabolites of lavender oil are eliminated from the body primarily via the urine, although some may also be excreted in the feces and exhaled air. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Dosage: To use lavender essential oil safely, it is crucial to dilute it correctly. For adults, a safe dilution ratio is 2-3 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Additionally, it is advisable to perform a patch test before using the oil to assess any potential allergic reactions. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: lavender 

Why do we use lavender?  

Aromatherapy  

Skin care 

Sleep aid 

Pain relief