What are the side effects and contraindications of Buzhong Yiqi Granules?

Side effects of Buzhong Yiqi Granules include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, diarrhea, skin rash, itching, dry mouth, and throat dryness. Contraindicated populations include those with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, those with excess-pattern fever, severe spleen-stomach cold deficiency, individuals with allergic constitutions, and pregnant women. If severe discomfort or an allergic reaction occurs after use, discontinue the medication immediately and seek medical attention promptly.

I. Side Effects

1. Dizziness and Headache: Some patients may experience a sensation of heaviness or throbbing pain in the head after taking the medication. This is usually related to mild stimulation of blood vessels by the drug's components, often occurring during the initial stages of treatment. Symptoms are typically mild and tend to resolve spontaneously.

2. Nausea and Vomiting: The medication may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to nausea, upset stomach, or even vomiting in some individuals. The likelihood is higher when taken on an empty stomach and varies according to individual gastrointestinal tolerance.

3. Abdominal Distension and Diarrhea: Buzhong Yiqi Granules have a warming and tonifying nature. Excessive or inappropriate use may disrupt gastrointestinal function, resulting in bloating and diarrhea. Stools are often loose and unformed.

4. Skin Rash and Itching: A small number of patients with allergic constitutions may react allergically to ingredients such as Astragalus (Huangqi) or Codonopsis (Dangshen), developing red rashes, papules, and accompanying itching. In severe cases, symptoms may spread throughout the body.

5. Dry Mouth and Throat: Due to the warming and tonifying nature of the formula, body fluids may be depleted, leading to symptoms like dry mouth and throat dryness—particularly common in individuals with yin-deficient constitutions after taking the medication.

II. Contraindications

1. Yin Deficiency with Excess Fire: Individuals with this condition often experience symptoms such as tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth, and sore throat. The warming and tonifying effect of Buzhong Yiqi Granules can exacerbate internal heat and worsen the condition; therefore, use is strictly prohibited.

2. Excess-Pattern Fever: In cases such as fever from common colds or infectious diseases, pathogenic factors are already present in the body. Using this medication may cause these pathogens to remain trapped internally, intensifying fever and impairing recovery.

3. Severe Spleen-Stomach Cold Deficiency: Patients with severe deficiency often suffer from cold-sensitive abdominal pain and persistent loose stools. The yang-elevating components in the formula may further irritate the gastrointestinal tract, aggravating cold deficiency symptoms; thus, use should be avoided.

4. Allergic Constitution: Individuals allergic to any component of Buzhong Yiqi Granules are at risk of allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to severe anaphylactic shock. Use is strictly contraindicated in such cases.

5. Pregnant Women: Certain ingredients in the medication may affect fetal development. To ensure pregnancy safety, pregnant women should avoid using this product unless specifically directed by a qualified physician.

During treatment, maintain a light diet and avoid spicy and greasy foods to reduce gastrointestinal burden. Keep a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late to support proper metabolism of the medication. Drink adequate water to help relieve potential dry mouth symptoms. Strictly follow the prescribed dosage—do not adjust the dose on your own—to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.