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

 

 

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300  

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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