Cascara (Cascara)
Overview of Cascara
Cascara sagrada is the dried bark of Rhamnus purshiana, a shrub of the Pacific states of the United States, used as a cathartic. Cascara is called also beaberry bark, chittenbark, dogwoodbark. its laxative principles are glycosidal anthraquinones such as emodine and barbaloin.
Indication of Cascara
Cascara is primarily indicated in conditions like Constipation.
Contraindication of Cascara
Cascara is contraindicated in conditions like Intestinal obstruction,Appendicitis,Abdominal pain.
Side Effects of Cascara
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Cascara, which give rise to further complications include Cathartic colon.,Cascara produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hypokalemia, Hypotension, Severe diarrhea, Dehydration, Muscle weakness, Uremia, Thirst. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Cascara therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Cascara include Severe diarrhea.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Cascara are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Cramping abdominal pain, Abdominal distress.
Precautions of Cascara
Cascara should be used with caution (if contains tartrazine) in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity, because may cause allergic reactions (including bronchial asthma). Discontinue use if skin eruption occur.