Cascara Sagrada (Cascara)

Category:

• Laxative

Description:

• Stimulant laxative

Indications:

• Constipation

• Bowel or rectal preparation for surgery or examination

Contraindications:

• GI bleeding, obstruction, appendicitis, acute surgical abdomen

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C; excreted in breast milk

• CHF

• Abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: anorexia, cramps, diarrhea, melanosis coli, nausea, vomiting

• GU: discoloration of urine (pink, brown, red)

• METAB: alkalosis, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia

• MS: tetany

Dosage:

Administered orally

• Adult:   PO 325mg (1 tablet) or 5ml of fluid extract once daily as needed

• Child: 

  • Age 2-12 years: PO ½ adult dose

  • Age <2 years: PO ¼ adult dose