Ranbaxy Garlic Pearls Capsule

Ranbaxy Garlic Pearls Capsule is a garlic oil dietary supplement presented as small soft gelatin capsules, often called “pearls”. The product information lists garlic oil (0.5%) as the active ingredient, enclosed in a gelatin capsule shell with other inactive capsule ingredients. It is supplied in a pack of 100 capsules, and the exact amount of garlic oil per capsule should be confirmed on the product label.

Garlic (Allium sativum) has a long history of use as a food and traditional remedy, and its characteristic smell and flavour come from sulphur-containing compounds released when the bulb is crushed. Garlic oil captures many of these volatile sulphur compounds in an oil form. Enclosing the oil in a soft capsule is designed to make it easier to swallow and to reduce the strong taste and smell compared with eating raw garlic.

Garlic Pearls may be taken as a dietary supplement by adults who wish to add garlic to their routine, but they do not replace a balanced diet or any medicine prescribed by your doctor. Garlic supplements are not risk-free: they may increase bleeding, especially with blood-thinning medicines, aspirin or NSAIDs and around the time of surgery, and they can lower the levels of the HIV medicine saquinavir. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist first if you take regular medicines or have a medical condition.

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water, preferably after a meal. Do not chew or bite the capsule, as this releases the garlic oil and its strong taste. Taking the capsules with food may also help reduce stomach upset and garlic repeating.

Adults: 1 to 2 capsules daily, preferably after meals, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Please check this against the directions printed on the product label.

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Not intended for children unless advised by a doctor. If you miss a dose, take the next one at the usual time without doubling up.

Refer to the expiry date printed on the product packaging, and do not use the capsules after this date.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as soft gelatin capsules can soften or stick together in warm, humid conditions. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Follow any storage directions on the product label.

• Common: Garlic breath or body odour, and a garlic aftertaste or repeating (burping).
• Common: Stomach upset, heartburn, gas, bloating or nausea — taking the capsules with meals may help.
• Less common: Diarrhoea or loose stools.
• Serious: Unusual bruising or bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding gums or blood in urine or stools — stop the product and seek medical advice promptly.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing — stop the product and seek urgent medical help.

• Allergy to garlic or other plants in the onion (Allium) family, such as onion, leek or chives, or to any ingredient in this product.
• Bleeding disorders (such as haemophilia), a low platelet count or active bleeding.
• Planned surgery or dental procedures — stop taking garlic supplements at least 2 weeks beforehand.
• People taking saquinavir or other HIV medicines, unless the treating doctor has approved it, because garlic supplements can lower the levels of some HIV medicines.
• Not recommended in amounts above normal dietary intake during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor.
• People who avoid gelatin for dietary or religious reasons should check the capsule source on the product label before use.

• Anticoagulants: Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran and heparins — garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding; use only with your doctor’s approval and monitoring.
• Antiplatelet medicines and NSAIDs: Aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, ibuprofen, naproxen and similar medicines — combined use may add to bleeding risk.
• Saquinavir and other HIV medicines: Garlic supplements have been shown to substantially lower blood levels of saquinavir and may affect some other HIV medicines, which can reduce their effectiveness.
• Other supplements: Ginkgo, nattokinase, high-dose fish oil, high-dose vitamin E and other garlic products may further increase bleeding risk; avoid doubling up.
• Food: No specific food interaction is known; eating large amounts of raw garlic at the same time adds to overall garlic intake and may increase stomach upset.

• Take the pearls after a meal to reduce garlic repeating and stomach discomfort.
• Swallow the capsules whole — chewing releases the strong garlic oil taste.
• Tell your doctor, dentist and pharmacist that you take garlic supplements, and stop at least 2 weeks before planned surgery.
• Avoid stacking several garlic products or other supplements that may affect bleeding, such as ginkgo or nattokinase.
• Do not use garlic supplements in place of any prescribed medicine, and never stop prescribed medicines on your own.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place so the soft capsules do not stick together.

Precautions: Garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding, so extra care is needed if you take anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines or NSAIDs, have a bleeding disorder, or have surgery or dental work planned (stop at least 2 weeks before). Garlic can lower blood levels of saquinavir and may affect other HIV medicines. People with stomach ulcers, reflux or sensitive digestion may find garlic irritating. Avoid supplement amounts during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a doctor advises otherwise. Natural origin does not mean the product is free from risk.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Check with your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take long-term medicines, especially blood thinners or HIV medicines, or if you have a medical condition. Stop the product and seek medical advice if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, persistent stomach pain or signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling or breathing difficulty.