Cascara
Generic medicine reference
Not yet clinically reviewed
This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Overview
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 bearberry bark, chittembark, Yellow bark, Sacred bark, dogwoodbark. its laxative principles are glycosidal anthraquinones such as emodine and barbaloin.
Indications
Cascara is primarily indicated in conditions like Constipation.
Contraindications
Cascara is contraindicated in conditions like Intestinal obstruction,Appendicitis,Abdominal pain.
Side Effects
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 over dosage 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.
Warnings
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.
High Risk Groups
Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Adult Dosage
0.285 to 1 mg/kg (0.64 (0.6425)) 24 hourly PO — -
Child Dosage
( ) — Not recommended in this age group
Neonatal Dosage
( ) — Not recommended in this age group
Drug Interactions
None well documented.
Storage
Liq, Tab Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture.
Available Brands in Pakistan
No brands are recorded for this generic.