Cascara Sagrada

Common side effects from cascara sagrada may include mild stomach ache, pain in the bowels, and cramps. It may also cause your urine to turn a pink, red, purple, orange, or rust colour.

Long term use of cascara sagrada may lead to low levels of potassium, protein and blood in the urine, muscle weakness, and malnutrition.

Cascara sagrada can interact with some medications. It increases the risk of potassium loss caused by different medications including corticosteroids and some diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, chlorthalidone). Cascara sagrada also interacts with medications for heart failure (e.g., digoxin), laxatives, and warfarin.

Cascara sagrada interacts with natural health products including cardiac glycoside-containing herbs, licorice, and herbs with laxative properties (e.g., aloe, rhubarb, senna).

If you are taking any of these medications or natural health products, you should consult your health care provider before using cascara sagrada.

You should avoid using too much cascara sagrada. Do not take more than the recommended dose and do not use it for longer than 7 days. In addition, you should drink plenty of liquids to keep your body balanced.

If your symptoms persist or worsen after taking cascara sagrada, you should consult your health care provider. If you have a kidney disease or if you are taking medications for your heart, you should consult your health care provider before using cascara sagrada.

You should avoid using cascara sagrada if you have stomach ache, nausea, or vomiting, or if you have a stomach or intestinal (gastrointestinal) disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcers).

You should also avoid using cascara sagrada if you are allergic to cascara sagrada or plants of the Rhamnaceae family.

You should not use cascara sagrada if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.