Cascara Sagrada use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Cascara Sagrada: Natures Remedy, Caroid Laxative

Cascara Sagrada Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Maternal cascara intake might cause loose stools in some breastfed infants and routine use should be avoided.[1] Occasional use of cascara products in small doses might be acceptable. However, other laxatives are preferred.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. After administration of 1 teaspoonful of cascara sagrada fluidextract, cascara was qualitatively detected in the milk of 5 of 10 women.[2] The sensitivity of the assay was about 1100 mg/L of cascara.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

In one study, 4 of 12 breastfed infants appeared to have loose stools after administration of 1.2 mL of cascara sagrada fluidextract to their mothers on day 5 postpartum.[2]

No cases of diarrhea were observed among the breastfed infants of 142 mothers who received 400 mg of cascara extract on day 3 postpartum.[3]

Possible Effects on Lactation

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Bisacodyl, Magnesium Hydroxide, Senna

References

1. Lewis JH, Weingold AB and the Committee of FDA-Related Matters, American College of Gastroenterology. The use of gastrointestinal drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Gastroenterol. 1985;80:912-23. PMID: 2864852

2. Tyson RM, Shrader EA, Perlman HH. Drugs transmitted through breast milk. Part I: laxatives. J Pediatr. 1937;11:824-32.

3. Duncan AS. Standardized senna as a laxative in the puerperium. A clinical assessment. Br Med J. 1957;1:439-41. PMID: 13396280

Cascara Sagrada Identification

Substance Name

Cascara Sagrada

CAS Registry Number

8047-27-6

Drug Class

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

452

Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.

Last Revision Date

2010-11-01

Disclaimer

Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

See Also...

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Online Privacy Policy.

Advertisement
Close

Recommended

(web2)