Castagnus®
tablets, OTC drugCastagnus® is a traditional herbal medicine indicated for the treatment of mild symptoms appearing shortly before menstruation itself (premenstrual tension syndrome, manifested by pain and swelling of breasts (mastodynia), emotional imbalance, migraine-type headaches, swelling of face, hands, and feet.
It is suggested, that active ingredients of Vitex agnus castus have an agonistic effect for dopaminergic receptors. Dopaminergic activity results in inhibition of prolactin secretion, thus resulting in the withdrawal of the symptoms of premenstrual tension syndrome.
It is suggested that extracts from Vitex agnus castus can show affinity towards the estrogen receptor and affect estrogen-progesterone balance.
How to use Castagnus®
Adult women 1 tablet orally, once daily in the morning.
If within 90 days no amelioration of symptoms is noticed, or the patient feels worse, should contact a doctor.
Children and youth
Do not use this medicine if you are under 18 years old.
In case of overdose
Do not take more than the recommended dose.
In the event of an overdose, contact your doctor.
If you forget to take Castagnus
Take your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Before you use Castagnus®
Do not use Castagnus® in case of:
– hypersensitivity to any of its components,
-during pregnancy and breastfeeding,
– below 18 years old
Warnings and precautions
Before using Castagnus you should talk about it with your doctor or pharmacist.
Patients who have or have had an estrogen-dependent cancer should consult a doctor before using the medicine.
Patients who use dopamine agonists or estrogen receptors agonists should consult a physician before using the drug.
Use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age is not recommended due to the lack of relevant data.
If the symptoms get worse while you are taking the medicine, consult your doctor.
It is suggested that the extract of Vitex agnus castus affects the pituitary-hypothalamic axis and therefore patients with pituitary disorders should consult their physician before using the drug.
In the presence of prolactin-producing pituitary tumours, the use of Vitex agnus castus fruit preparations may mask the symptoms of the tumour.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, or suspects that may be pregnant or plan pregnancy, should consult the doctor or pharmacist before using the medicine.
Pregnancy
Do not use the drug during pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Data from preclinical reproduction trails suggest, that Vitex agnus castus may influence the lactation. It is not recommended to use the medicine during lactation
Fertility
Influence of the medicine on fertility is unknown
Driving of vehicles and operation of moving mechanisms
No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed
Castagnus contains lactose monohydrate.
If intolerance of some sugars has been identified, patient should contact the doctor before taking this medicine.
Use of other drugs
It is necessary to inform a physician about all the recently taken drugs, even those sold without prescription.
Due to the possible dopaminergic and estrogenic effects of the Vitex agnus castus fruit, interactions with dopamine and estrogen receptor agonists or antagonists (i.e., e.g. antipsychotics, antiparkinsonian drugs, hormone replacement therapy drugs, oral contraceptives, metoclopramide or bromocriptine) cannot be excluded.
Possible side effects
Immune system disorders – severe allergic reactions with swelling of the face, shortness of breath, and difficulty in swallowing.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders – allergic skin reactions (rash, urticaria), acne.
Nervous system disorders – headache and dizziness.
Gastrointestinal disorders – nausea, abdominal pain.
Reproductive system and breast disorders – Menstrual cycle disorders.
The frequency of these symptoms is not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Storage of Castagnus®
Store at the temperature not exceeding 25°C.
Store the drug out of reach and sight of children.
Do not use the drug after expiry date stated on the package.
Composition
Active substance:
1 tablet contains 4,5 of Vitex agnus castus fruit extract (equivalent to 45 mg of Vitex agnus fruit). extractant: ethanol 60% (m/m)
The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, potato starch, povidone K 30, magnesium stearate.
Unit packaging constitutes a box containing 30 tablets.
