CHAPARRAL: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Chaparral is a plant. The chaparral leaf is used to make medicine, but there are serious safety concerns with its use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada have advised consumers against using products containing chaparral due to these safety concerns.

Despite serious safety concerns, people use chaparral for digestion problems, respiratory tract conditions, skin disorders, arthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

Arthritis.
Cancer.
Sexually transmitted diseases.
Tuberculosis.
Colds.
Skin conditions.
Stomach problems (cramps, gas).
Weight loss.
Urinary and respiratory infections.
Chickenpox.
Wounds.
Skin infections.
Hair growth.
Skin cancer.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of chaparral for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Chaparral is LIKELY UNSAFE. There are several reports of serious poisoning, acute hepatitis, and kidney and liver damage, including kidney and liver failure, in people who have taken chaparral. Chaparral can also cause side effects including stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chaparral is safe. It might cause side effects such as rash and itching in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Chaparral is LIKELY UNSAFE. It can cause serious liver and kidney problems. Don't use products containing chaparral when pregnant or breast-feeding.

Liver disease: Chaparral might make liver disease worse. Don't use it.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with CHAPARRAL
Chaparral might harm the liver. Taking chaparral along with medication that might also harm the liver can increase the risk of liver damage. Do not take chaparral if you are taking a medication that can harm the liver.

Some medications that can harm the liver include acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), amiodarone (Cordarone), carbamazepine (Tegretol), isoniazid (INH), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), methyldopa (Aldomet), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), erythromycin (Erythrocin, Ilosone, others), phenytoin (Dilantin), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), and many others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of chaparral depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for chaparral. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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