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.
Primary Characteristics
It is of Natural origin and belongs to Anthraquinone Glycosides .
It belongs to Laxatives pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action.
pKa: · Solubility in Water: · Solubility in Alcohol: · Non-proprietary name: Cascara.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution: Cascara has a volume of distribution is . plasma protein binding is .
Elimination: it is metabolised via , plasma half-life is , renal excretion is .
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Indications
Cascara is primarily indicated in conditions like Constipation.
Contraindications
Cascara is contraindicated in conditions like Intestinal obstruction, Appendicitis, Abdominal pain.
Dosage
Cascara's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 0.64 mg/kg | 0.64 mg/kg | Every 24h | PO | - |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 0 – 0 | — | — | — | Not Recommended in this Age Group |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 0 – 0 | — | — | — | Not Recommended in this Age Group |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Cascara in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Cathartic colon .
Cascara produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hypokalemia, Hypotension, Severe diarrhea, Dehydration , Muscle weakness, Uremia, Thirst . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Cascara are Severe diarrhea.
Cascara is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal distress, Cramping abdominal pain, Nausea.
Warnings / Precautions
Interference in Pathology
Cascara may interfere in the diagnosis of False +ve test for urobilinogen by yellow coloration of the urine , Falsely elevated result in the Kober reaction for oestrogens .
Available Brands
None recorded.
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.17.6 — Laxatives