Policosanol

Policosanol is a type of supplement that is derived from plant waxes and is claimed to help lower cholesterol. Although it is not exactly known how the supplement works, it is thought to decrease cholesterol production in the liver and increase the breakdown of cholesterol in the body. Possible side effects of policosanol may include insomnia, migraines, and an upset stomach.

 

What Is Policosanol?

Policosanol is an herbal supplement that consists of fatty alcohol derived from plant waxes. It is often claimed to help lower cholesterol.
 
(Click Benefits of Policosanol for more information.)
 

How Does It Work?

It is not exactly clear how policosanol works to lower cholesterol. It is thought that the supplement may decrease the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and may increase the breakdown of cholesterol in the body.
 

Is Policosanol Effective?

There is not enough evidence to know for sure if policosanol is effective at treating high cholesterol, and scientific evidence, to date, is not conclusive (see Does Policosanol Work? for more information).
 

Dosing Information

Because policosanol is a dietary supplement, not a drug, it has not been thoroughly studied. As a result, dosing information has not yet been clearly established.
 
(Click Policosanol Dosage for more information.)
 

Policosanol Side Effects

Even though it is a "natural" product, policosanol can cause side effects, such as:
 
 
(Click Side Effects of Policosanol to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Policosanol may potentially interact with a few medications (see Policosanol Drug Interactions).
 

Safety Issues With Policosanol

Some people are more likely than others to experience problems due to policosanol. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking it if you have:
 
  • A bleeding disorder
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Is Policosanol Safe? for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose of policosanol, but it is reasonable to assume that taking too much of it may cause the usual side effects, but perhaps more severely. Also, it is possible that an overdose could cause bleeding, including dangerous internal bleeding.
 
(Click Policosanol Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Policosanol Be Stored?

Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how best to store it. Keep policosanol and all medications and supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;