Diosmin

Diosmin 

Diosmin is a naturally occurring flavonoid compound primarily derived from citrus fruits like lemons or oranges. It belongs to a class of plant-based compounds known as bioflavonoids, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Chemically, diosmin is a glycosylated form of the flavonoid diosmetin, meaning it has a sugar molecule attached to its structure.

Uses of Diosmin

Diosmin is primarily used to treat various vascular conditions, with its most prominent applications being in managing haemorrhoids and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

• Hemorrhoids: Numerous studies have demonstrated diosmin's efficacy in treating internal and external haemorrhoids. Additionally, diosmin has been shown to diminish recovery time following a hemorrhoidectomy, a surgical procedure for the removal of haemorrhoids.
• Chronic Venous Disease (CVD): CVD is an umbrella term encompassing various conditions related to weakened or diseased veins, including chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), varicose veins, spider veins, leg ulcers, and phlebitis (swollen leg veins). 
• Other Uses: While diosmin is primarily used for haemorrhoids and leg sores caused by poor blood flow, it is also used for other conditions, although the evidence supporting these uses is not as robust. Potential uses include back pain, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), lymphedema, minor bleeding, bleeding gums, eye haemorrhage, liver protection, and varicose veins. However, more research is needed to establish the efficacy of diosmin in these areas.

How to Use Diosmin

Diosmin is commercially available as a dietary and often combined with hesperidin, another citrus-derived bioflavonoid. This combination is called Micronised Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF).

It is advisable to take diosmin supplements with food, as directed by the manufacturer or a doctor. The duration of supplementation may vary based on the condition and the person's response to treatment.

Side Effects of Diosmin Tablet

Diosmin is generally well-tolerated when taken at recommended doses. However, some diosmin side effects have been reported, though they are typically mild and infrequent. The most common side effects associated with diosmin include:

• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Skin rash
• Hives
• Muscle pain
• In severe cases, irregular heartbeat 

How Magnesium Diosmin Works

Diosmin is a vasoactive drug that supports circulatory health through various actions on blood vessels. It enhances lymphatic drainage and improves microcirculation while increasing venous tone and elasticity. These properties make diosmin a frequently used supplement for individuals with chronic venous disease to support vascular health, as it has been demonstrated to improve quality of life.

Can I take Diosmin with Other Medicines?

Diosmin may interact with various medications, thus altering their effectiveness and increasing their risk of adverse effects. Before starting diosmin, it is essential to inform your doctor about all the ongoing medicines and supplements.

Medications That May Interact with Diosmin

• Anticoagulants: Diosmin may slow blood clotting, and taking it with anticoagulants might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
• Anticonvulsants: Diosmin might decrease how quickly the body breaks down these medications, potentially increasing their effects and side effects.
• Antihistamines: Diosmin might make cellular pumps less active, increasing the absorption of some antihistamine medications and leading to more side effects.
• Muscle relaxants: Diosmin might decrease how quickly the body breaks down certain muscle relaxants, increasing its effects and side effects.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Diosmin might decrease how quickly the body breaks down NSAIDs, increasing their effects and side effects.
• Acetaminophen: Diosmin might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down acetaminophen, potentially increasing its effects and side effects.
• Medications metabolised by the liver (Cytochrome P450 enzymes): Diosmin might reduce how quickly the liver breaks down certain medicines metabolised by enzymes like CYP2C9, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4, potentially increasing their effects and side effects.
• Medications transported by P-glycoprotein pumps: Diosmin might make these cellular pumps less active, increasing the absorption and potential side effects of some medicines.

FAQs

1. Is Diosmin safe?

Diosmin is generally recognised as a safe over-the-counter supplement when taken at recommended doses. However, some side effects have been reported, though they are typically mild and infrequent. The most common adverse effects of diosmin tablets are stomach pain, diarrhoea, headaches, dizziness, skin rash, hives, muscle pain, and – in severe cases – an irregular heartbeat.

2. Is diosmin the same as Daflon?

Diosmin is commercially available as a nonprescription dietary supplement. It is most often combined in a micronised form with hesperidin (diosmin 90% plus hesperidin 10%), referred to as micronised purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF). 

3. Is diosmin safe for the liver?

Diosmin may interact with certain medications metabolised by the liver, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse effects. It may inhibit various liver enzymes responsible for metabolising medications, such as anticonvulsants, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen.

4. Is Diosmin effective?

Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of diosmin in treating various conditions, particularly haemorrhoids and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). It has been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with haemorrhoids, such as itchiness, bleeding, discharge, and discomfort, and can reduce recovery time following a hemorrhoidectomy.

Additionally, diosmin has been found to improve symptoms of CVI, including leg ulcers, oedema, varicose veins, tingling sensations, and subjective pain ratings, while enhancing the overall quality of life.

5. What if I forget to take a dose of Diosmin?

If you forget to take your dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip that dose, then take the next dose as usual the next day. Do not take two doses on the same day. 

6. Is diosmin safe for kidneys?

While diosmin is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses, some studies have suggested that it may have protective effects on kidney function. However, if you have any underlying kidney conditions, it is essential to consult with a doctor before taking diosmin to ensure its safety and appropriateness for your condition.

7. Who should not take Diosmin?

Diosmin is not recommended for use in certain groups due to a lack of safety research:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Children and teenagers
• Individuals with bleeding disorders should avoid diosmin, as it may worsen their condition by slowing blood clotting.
• If you have any underlying conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, and heart disease, consult a doctor before taking diosmin to ensure its safety and appropriateness.

8. Is diosmin a blood thinner?

Diosmin may slow blood clotting, and taking it with anticoagulants might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. It may also interact with certain herbal supplements involved in blood thinning, such as fenugreek, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, and turmeric. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements, consult with your doctor before trying diosmin.

9. Can I take Diosmin without food?

It is generally recommended that diosmin supplements be taken with food, as directed by the manufacturer or a doctor. Taking diosmin with meals may improve absorption and reduce the chance of potential side effects, such as stomach discomfort or irritation.