Uses & Effectiveness We currently have no information for ENGLISH IVY overview. Overview English ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen, climbing vine native to Europe and Asia. The leaves are sometimes used to make extracts for medicine. English ivy might help thin mucus in the airways. This might improve lung function in people with breathing difficulty. English ivy might also have antioxidant effects. People use English ivy for bronchitis, burns, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. English Ivy does not contain any specific vitamin. Side Effects When taken by mouth: Specific cough syrups (Prospan; Prospanex) containing English ivy leaf extract are possibly safe when used three times daily for up to 7 days. When applied to the skin: There isn?t enough reliable information to know if English ivy is safe. It might cause side effects such as allergic skin reactions. Interactions Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with ENGLISH IVY Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. English ivy might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications. Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates) interacts with ENGLISH IVY Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. English ivy might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications. Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with ENGLISH IVY Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. English ivy might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications. Special Precautionsand Warnings When taken by mouth: Specific cough syrups (Prospan; Prospanex) containing English ivy leaf extract are possibly safe when used three times daily for up to 7 days. When applied to the skin: There isn?t enough reliable information to know if English ivy is safe. It might cause side effects such as allergic skin reactions. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn?t enough reliable information to know if English ivy is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: Specific cough syrups (Prospan; Prospanex) containing English ivy leaf extract are possibly safe when taken by mouth three times daily for up to 7 days. Dosing Dried English ivy leaf has most often been used by adults in doses of 300-800 mg by mouth daily. Specific English ivy leaf extract products have also been used. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.