Cascara
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 20, 2021.
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?
Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.
Do not give this product to children.
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.
Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.
Do not use this product if you have bowel problems like Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis.
Do not use this product for more than 1 week.
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.
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.
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.
Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:
Heart problems
Blood pressure problems
Gallbladder problems
Crohn's disease or other bowel problems
Stomach ulcers
Low potassium levels
Dehydration
What should I watch for?
Upset stomach
Stomach cramps
When do I need to call the doctor?
Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
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.
Signs of low potassium. These include feeling tired, weak, numbness, or tingling; muscle cramps; hard stools; throwing up; or fast heartbeat.
Very bad throwing up
Very bad belly pain
Very bad loose stools
