Turkey Rhubarb (Chinese Rhubarb)

Be careful of

Cautions

• AmountUse for no more than a week, usually two or three times a week, at the smallest dose that gives a comfortable soft stool. Long-term use of stimulant laxatives can impair bowel function and create dependence on laxatives; if you need a laxative every day, the cause should be looked into.
• ConditionDo not use it with bowel obstruction or narrowing, loss of bowel muscle tone, appendicitis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, unexplained abdominal pain, or severe dehydration. People with kidney problems should be aware of possible salt and water imbalance.
• InteractionTalk to a doctor first if you take cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmics, drugs that prolong the QT interval, diuretics, corticosteroids or licorice root: long-term use can lower potassium, which strengthens or interacts with these.
• NoteSide effects include cramping and abdominal pain, liquid stools, and allergic itching or rash. Long-term use can darken the bowel lining and cause salt and water imbalance and protein or blood in the urine. Harmless yellow or red-brown urine may occur.
• PregnancyNot to be used during pregnancy (some of its anthranoids carry a genotoxic risk in experiments) or while breastfeeding (active metabolites pass into breast milk). Not for children under 12.
• Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.