Cascara
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 12, 2024.
What are other common names?
- Frangula purshiana
- Rhamnus purshiana
- Rhamnus pushiana
- Bitter Bark
- Bitterbark
- Buckthorn
- California Buckthorn
- Cascara Sagrada
- Cascararinde
- Chittem Bark
- Cortex Rhamni Purshianae
- Dogwood Bark
- Pastel Bourd
- Purshiana Bark
- Rhamnus
- Sacred Bark
- Sagrada Bark
- Yellow Bark
What is this product used for?
Cascara is used by some people as a laxative. This product is not considered to be safe for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What are the precautions when taking this product?
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Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.
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Do not give this product to children.
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Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.
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Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.
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Do not use in children less than 10 years old.
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Do not use this product if you have bowel problems like Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis.
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Do not use this product for more than 1 week.
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Take extra care if you are taking drugs for inflammation. Some of these drugs decrease the potassium in your blood. These are drugs like dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, or prednisone.
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Take extra care if you are taking drugs called “water pills.” These drugs can decrease the potassium in your blood. These are drugs like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, or chlorothiazide.
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Take extra care if you are taking drugs that help your heart beat stronger or more regular. These are drugs like digoxin, amiodarone, quinidine, and flecainide.
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Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:
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Heart problems
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Blood pressure problems
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Gallbladder problems
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Crohn's disease or other bowel problems
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Stomach ulcers
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Low potassium levels
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Kidney problems
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Liver problems
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Dehydration
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What should I watch for?
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Upset stomach
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Stomach cramps
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When do I need to call the doctor?
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Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; fever; rash; hives; itching, discolored, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
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Signs of fluid loss. These include dark-colored urine or no urine for more than 8 hours, dry mouth, cracked lips, dry skin, sunken eyes, lack of energy, feeling faint, or passing out.
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Signs of low potassium. These include feeling tired, weak, numbness, or tingling; muscle cramps; hard stools; throwing up; or fast heartbeat.
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Very bad throwing up
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Very bad loose stools
Last Reviewed Date
2023-05-25Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms
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