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
CAS Registry Number
8047-27-6
Drug Class
- Cathartics
- Gastrointestinal Agents
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...
- Cascara sagrada use during Pregnancy
- Cascara Sagrada Consumer Information
- Breastfeeding Support Group
- Safe Medications during Breastfeeding
- Medicine use while Breastfeeding
- Medicine use during Pregnancy
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.
