Latin, Cascara Sagrada

Eng., Cascara Sagrada. Synonyms, Cascara, Rhamnus Purshiana (U. S. P., viii). The dried bark of Rhamnus Purshiana.

Average Dose

15 grains (1 Gm.).

Official Preparations.

Extractum Cascarae Sagradae

Eng., Extract of Cascara Sagrada. Form.-A dark-colored powder. Average Dose.-4 grains (0.25 Gm.).

Fluidextractum Cascarae Sagradae

Eng., Fluidextract of Cascara Sagrada.

Average Dose

15 minims (1 mil).

Fluidextractum Cascarae Sagradae Aromaticum

Eng., Aromatic Fluidextract of Cascara Sagrada.

Average Dose

30 minims (2 mils).

Therapeutic Action

Purgative, stomachic, tonic.

Uses

Extensively used alone or in combination with other agents to produce purgation. Particularly serviceable in the treatment of chronic constipation.

Administration

All three of these preparations are extensively used. The fluidextract and the aromatic fluidextract are more commonly employed alone and administered three times a day, particularly when the effort is to correct a chronic constipation. The dose may often be gradually decreased until the drug is entirely discontinued, while the improved physical condition continues.

The simple fluidextract is very bitter, so given three times a day it exercises a tonic effect aside from its laxative action. The aromatic fluidextract is supposed to represent the same strength of the drug, but many prescribers claim that its purgative action is decidedly less than that of the other preparation. The aromatic fluidextract is miscible with water, the plain fluidextract is not. The U. S. P. average dose is frequently exceeded, particularly when the fluidextracts are ordered alone.

The extract is seldom ordered alone, but is frequently used with other agents. It is preferably administered in capsules. The crude drug is seldom if ever prescribed.

As a tonic and laxative:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful after meals.

Or:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful after meals.

Or:

Sig

Teaspoonful at bedtime.

As a laxative in the treatment of acne:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water before meals.

In capsules in combination with other purgatives:

M. ft. cap. no. ij.

Sig

Take an hour apart.

In the treatment of constipation:

M. ft. cap. no. xx. Sig.-One at bedtime.