Homeopathic Use & Administration
Where do I find what each homeopathic medicine relieves?
What is Materia Medica?
This resource includes information about origin, toxicology, pharmacology, experiments, indications, and dosage.
List 2 characteristics that define a dietary supplement.
What are:
1. intended to supplement the diet
2. contains one or more dietary ingredient
3. in intended to be taken orally
4. is labeled as a dietary supplement
Which piece of legislation helped to define what qualifies as a dietary supplement?
What is the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act?
The DSHEA became law in 1994.
How can patients be advised to find high quality DS products?
What is look for products with seals of quality and/or purchase from large, reputable companies.
What is the term for the "original substance" or source product from which subsequent dilutions of a homeopathic product are made?
What is the "mother tincture"?
When is it best to take homeopathic medicines in regards to meals?
What is "it does not matter"?
A full or empty stomach does not have an effect on absorption (particularly with oral use - sublingual absorption). It is best to take homeopathic medicines in a clean mouth, free of flavors to maximize absorption.
List 3 types of claims that can be made for a dietary supplement.
What are:
1. a health claim (relationship between an ingredient and reducing risk of a health-condition or disease)
2. a nutrient claim (describes relative amount of a nutrient or dietary substance in a product)
3. a structure/function claim (describes role of a nutrient intended to affect normal structure or function of the body- i.e. calcium builds strong bones)
Which set of regulations issued by the FDA ensure the identity, purity, strength, and composition of dietary supplements?
What are Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)?
When should patients begin taking homeopathic products intended to address an ailment they have?
What is take it as soon as symptoms begin/first sign of illness?
Succussion of homeopathic products is done by _______________ the product and is intended to _______________ the product.
Is there evidence that homeopathic medicines are more effective than a placebo?
What is Yes!
Several studies have shown that in certain circumstances homeopathic medicine efficacy can not be contributed to placebo effect alone - this warrants further study.
Which resource provides reports online for testing results on dietary supplements? (Reports on identity, purity, consistency with labeled ingredients)
What is consumerlab.com?
Which legislation regulates the the manufacturing and distribution processes of homeopathic products?
What is the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (1938)?
Homeopathic products are regulated as DRUG substances.
List 2 types of hazards introduced by the consumer when using dietary supplements.
What are:
1. Exceeding recommended dietary allowances for a vitamin, mineral, or herbal product
2. Drug-DS (or disease, food, etc.) interactions
More "dilute" homeopathic products correlate to ___________ potency.
What is higher?
Potency is the number of times a substance has been diluted. The higher the potency of a product the less original substance is actually in that product.
Can pregnant or breastfeeding women take homeopathic medicines? Why or why not?
What is "it depends"?
Homeopathic medicines are not well studied in this population, so clinical judgement is warranted. Based on the manufacturing process, a dilution of 4C or higher is unlikely to cause any issues so consider the benefit to risk ratio.
List 3 characteristics of a "typical DS user".
What are:
Female, age 50-69, college education or higher, living in Western U.S., high current self-rate of health status, higher socioeconomic status, has private health insurance
The Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act of 2006 requires that _______________________.
What is manufacturers, packers, or distributors must submit reports of serious adverse events to the FDA.
List 3 populations that might be at higher risk for adverse outcomes related to dietary supplement use.
What are:
1. older adults
2. children
3. pregnancy and lactation
4. kidney disease and liver disease
5. surgery
This resource provides monographs of all approved homeopathic products on the market.
What is the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS)?
Which homeopathic principle recommends using only one homeopathic medicine at a time?
What is the single remedy principle?
Select the homeopathic medicine that most closely matches the totality of the patient's symptom or symptom complex. This ensures looking at issues holistically and avoiding disharmonies in treatment.
List 4 pieces of general information required to be on a dietary supplement label.
What are:
1. Name of product (including the word "supplement" or statement describing supplement nature)
2. Net quantity of contents
3. Name and place of business of manufacturer, packer, or distributor
4. Directions for use
List 4 examples of dietary supplement adulteration.
What are:
1. DS with significant risk of illness or injury when used according to included directions.
2. DS contains a new entity and lacks adequate evidence to ensure safety with use.
3. DS has been declared an imminent hazard by Secretary of DHHS.
4. DS contains dietary ingredients present in sufficient quantity to render product poisonous or deleterious to human health.
What is the difference between brand and generic homeopathic products?
What is generic homeopathic products are generally single agent items and branded products typically also offer proprietary combinations and come in multiple alternate formulations.
How do I select an appropriate dilution for a homeopathic product?
What is considering the localization of symptoms?
Low dilutions are best for local symptoms (i.e. sore throat, heartburn, bruise) and high dilutions are best for more general symptoms (anxiety, difficulty with sleep, fever).