- The most common side effect associated with cascara sagrada is upset stomach. Other side effects include abdominal cramps and nausea.
- Because of the laxative effect, cascara sagrada can cause diarrhea, which in turn can result in fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- As with other laxatives, chronic use of cascara sagrada can cause dependency, causing constipation unless using the medication. People should not use cascara sagrada longer than seven consecutive days.
- Chronic use of cascara sagrada also can cause a condition called melanosis coli, which involves staining or darkening of the colonic mucosa. This usually is not a serious side effect, but it can reduce bowel function.
- Cascara sagrada can change the color of urine to pink, red, violet, brown or black.
- People with certain health conditions should not take cascara sagrada. These include appendicitis, Crohn's disease, diverticular disease, rectal bleeding, ulcerative colitis or a history of intestinal blockage.
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