lily of the valley

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

The cardiac glycosides present in lily of the valley have been used in medicine to treat certain heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

None

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• lily of the valley should be avoided during pregnancy as it may cause uterine contractions and potentially harm the fetus. 
• lily of the valley should never be used by individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, including congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. 
• lily of the valley should be avoided during high blood pressure, potassium deficiency and kidney or liver disease.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.   

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 cardiac glycosides compounds exert their actions by inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme, which leads to an increase in intracellular sodium and a subsequent increase in intracellular calcium levels.  

The mechanism of action increases cardiac contractility and improves the force of the heart’s contractions.  

Pharmacodynamics 

Cardiac glycosides can enhance parasympathetic activity, which is responsible for regulating heart rate and cardiac function. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Limited information available on ADME

Adminstartion

Administration 

lily of the valley primarily available in various forms like tincture, liquid extract and dried extracts for oral consumption.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: lily of the valley 

Why do we use lily of the valley? 

lily of the valley has been used in medicine to treat certain heart conditions such as heart palpitations, arrhythmia, CHF and cardiac edema.