Licorice Injection

• You want to know what licorice injection actually contains
• You take blood-pressure medication or diuretics and want to check whether it is safe
• You want to discuss adjunct treatment for hives or eczema

Hives and eczema have their own standard treatments depending on the cause and severity. Licorice injection does not replace them.

• 01

  Where you are now, and where we start

  Approved indications of the glycyrrhizic acid combination, and potassium- and blood-pressure-related contraindications

• 02

  The change you want, the impression you keep

  We check for high blood pressure, low potassium, aldosteronism or muscle disorders — these are contraindications in the label.

• 03

  How it differs from similar options

  We ask whether you take diuretics or other licorice-containing medicines, as potassium could drop further.

• 04

  Health information and recovery schedule

  If you want it for skin symptoms, we look together at whether the cause of those symptoms should be treated first.

Licorice injection’s approved indications include adjunct treatment for skin conditions.

In the MFDS drug database (nedrug), glycyrrhizic acid combination injection is approved as an “adjunct therapy for hives, eczema, allergic skin disease and drug poisoning” and for “improvement of liver function in chronic liver disease”. As the word “adjunct” suggests, it does not replace treatment of the underlying cause. The label states that higher doses or long-term use can cause pseudoaldosteronism (low potassium, raised blood pressure, swelling, weight gain).

How it works

• 01

  Ingredients

  One ampoule (20mL) of the main product contains 40mg glycyrrhizic acid, 400mg glycine and 20mg L-cysteine hydrochloride.

• 02

  Approved indications

  Adjunct therapy for hives, eczema, allergic skin disease and drug poisoning, and improving liver function in chronic liver disease.

• 03

  Pseudoaldosteronism

  Higher doses or long-term use can lower potassium and raise blood pressure, so the label calls for monitoring such as measuring serum potassium.

• 04

  Interactions

  Using it with licorice-containing products doubles up the glycyrrhizic acid, and with certain diuretics low potassium becomes more likely.

1. 01

   Contraindication check

   We check for aldosteronism, muscle disorders, low potassium and high blood pressure.

2. 02

   Medication check

   We check what else you take, such as diuretics, or herbal medicines and digestive remedies containing licorice.

3. 03

   Infusion and monitoring

   After the injection we have you rest while we observe you. The label calls for being prepared for shock.

What the procedure is like

• Don’t get up straight after the injection — rest for a while before moving.
• If you monitor your blood pressure, keep recording it as usual during the course.
• Tell us if your legs feel weak or swollen.

Safety & considerations

Licorice injection is a medicine approved as an adjunct therapy for skin conditions and for improving liver function — not for whitening or fatigue relief. If you have blood-pressure or potassium problems, be sure to tell us in advance.

1. During infusion

   Hypersensitivity

   Shock and anaphylaxis are listed in the label, so we stop immediately if your blood pressure drops or you have difficulty breathing.

2. Right after

   Rest

   The label says patients should rest and be observed adequately after the injection.

3. With repeated use

   Potassium and blood pressure

   Tell us if you feel weak, lose muscle strength, or notice swelling or raised blood pressure — these may be signs of low potassium.

Based on Korean-approved products with the same ingredient. A general claim that something is “good for the skin” is not the same as approved wording.

• Q. Does licorice injection actually contain licorice?

  Its main ingredient is glycyrrhizic acid, a compound that comes from licorice. The main product is a combination that adds glycine and cysteine. The MFDS document lists it as “glycyrrhizic acid combination injection (a.k.a. licorice injection)”.

• Q. Does licorice injection affect blood pressure?

  The label states that higher doses or long-term use can cause pseudoaldosteronism, raising blood pressure and lowering potassium. It is contraindicated in people with low potassium or aldosteronism. During the course, tell us if you feel weak, lose muscle strength, notice swelling or see your blood pressure rise. If you measure your blood pressure, keep recording it as usual during that time.

• Q. I get hives often — will licorice injection cure them?

  Its approved use is as an “adjunct therapy” for hives. Finding the cause and using standard treatment come first; licorice injection does not replace them. Even when it is used as an adjunct, we first check that you have no contraindications such as high blood pressure or low potassium.

• Q. I’m taking herbal medicine — can I still have licorice injection?

  Herbal medicines may contain licorice. The label warns that combining it with licorice-containing products doubles up the glycyrrhizic acid and makes pseudoaldosteronism more likely. Please tell us which herbal medicines you take.

• Q. What should I do if my legs feel weak after licorice injection?

  The label states that weakness and loss of muscle strength can result from low potassium. Postpone your next session and let the clinic know. Your potassium may need checking.