linum usitatissimum
Linum usitatissimum
flax seed
(flaks-seed) flaxseed,Linum usitatissimum
(trade name),linseed
(trade name),phytoestrogen
(trade name)Classification
Therapeutic: laxativesAction
Therapeutic effects
Pharmacokinetics
Time/action profile
| ONSET | PEAK | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO | unknown | unknown | unknown |
Contraindications/Precautions
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Endocrinologic
- hypoglycemia
Gastrointestinal
- diarrhea
- bloating
- flatulence
- nausea
Hematologic
- increased bleeding time
Miscellaneous
- allergic reactions
Interactions
Increased risk of bleeding with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents May have additive blood sugar lowering effects with hypoglycemic agents Increased risk of bleeding with herbs that have anticoagulant/antiplatelet properties including clovegarlicgingergingkoginseng and others.Note: Flaxseed oil contains the alpha-linolenic acid component of flaxseed, not the fiber or lignan components. It may share the purported lipid-lowering properties of flaxseed but not the proposed laxative or anti-estrogenic properties.Availability
Nursing implications
Nursing assessment
- Assess for abdominal distention, presence of bowel sounds, and usual pattern of bowel function.
- Assess color, consistency, and amount of stool produced.
- Lab Test Considerations: Monitor serum glucose, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, lipid panel, RBC count, coagulation panel, inflammatory markers, hormone panel, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) before and periodically during therapy.
Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Constipation (Indications)Implementation
- Oral: Administer with food or mix in food.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Instruct patient to follow directions provided with product.
- Encourage patients to use other forms of bowel regulation, such as increasing bulk in the diet, increasing fluid intake (6–8 full glasses/day), and increasing mobility. Normal bowel habits are variable and may vary from 3 times/day to 3 times/wk.
- Advise patient that this medication should be used in conjunction with diet restrictions (fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, alcohol), exercise, and cessation of smoking.
- Advise patient not to use laxatives when abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever is present.
- Instruct female patients to notify health care professional promptly if pregnancy is planned or suspected.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
- A soft, formed bowel movement.
- Decrease in serum cholesterol levels.
flax
Herbal medicineAn annual, the oil and seeds of which contain a cyanogenic glycoside, fixed oils (e.g., linoleic and linolenic acids), mucilage and protein; it has been used internally as a laxative and antitussive, and topically to treat burns.
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