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
Related/similar drugs
MiraLAX, docusate, lactulose, bisacodyl, Colace, senna
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
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