What is the correct way to take An Gong Niu Huang Wan?
Nov 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
The correct way to take An Gong Niu Huang Wan generally includes clearly defined indications, following medical advice to determine dosage, choosing an appropriate method of administration, paying attention to timing, and strictly controlling the duration of treatment. Clearly defined indications: An Gong Niu Huang Wan is primarily used for conditions involving heat-induced coma, such as stroke with unconsciousness, encephalitis, meningitis, toxic encephalopathy, cerebral hemorrhage, and sepsis, where the diagnosis corresponds to heat-closure leading to impaired consciousness.
Proper methods for taking An Gong Niu Huang Wan generally include clearly defined indications, following medical advice to determine dosage, choosing appropriate administration methods, paying attention to timing, and strictly controlling the treatment course. Specific details are as follows:
1. **Clear Indications**: An Gong Niu Huang Wan is primarily used for heat-closed coma caused by stroke, encephalitis, meningitis, toxic encephalopathy, cerebral hemorrhage, sepsis, etc. It is essential to confirm symptoms consistent with "heat closure" (such as high fever, unconsciousness, restlessness, flushed face, and red eyes), rather than "cold closure" or other syndromes, to avoid inappropriate use that may worsen the condition.
2. **Dosage Determined by Medical Advice**: Dosages differ between adults and children and should be adjusted according to disease severity. The dosage must be determined under a doctor's guidance; self-adjustment is not allowed. Extra caution is required when administering to children to prevent adverse reactions or compromised therapeutic effects due to improper dosing.
3. **Appropriate Administration Method**: For conscious patients, crush the pill and take it with warm water. For unconscious patients unable to swallow, crush the pill, mix it into a paste with warm water, and administer via a nasogastric tube. Avoid swallowing the pill whole to prevent choking or airway obstruction, ensuring safe and effective drug delivery.
4. **Timing of Administration**: As an emergency medication, it should be taken promptly at the early onset of heat-closed coma symptoms to buy time for further treatment. Do not continue taking it blindly after symptom relief, nor use it as a daily health supplement without medical need, to avoid long-term accumulation of ingredients and increased bodily burden.
5. **Strict Control of Treatment Duration**: An Gong Niu Huang Wan is intended for short-term emergency use, typically 1–3 days. Discontinue immediately once symptoms improve, and adjust the overall treatment plan accordingly. Long-term continuous use is not recommended, as the formula contains cinnabar and realgar, which may lead to heavy metal accumulation and potential liver or kidney damage with prolonged use.
Always consult a qualified physician before taking An Gong Niu Huang Wan—do not self-diagnose or self-medicate. Closely monitor the patient during use; if adverse reactions such as rash, nausea, or vomiting occur, discontinue the drug immediately and seek medical attention.
