Overview

Calotropis is a plant. People use the bark and root bark for medicine.

People use calotropis for conditions such as digestive disorders, toothache, cramps, joint pain, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using calotropis is unsafe, especially in high doses.

Calotropis contains chemicals that might help thin mucous and make it easier to cough up. In studies in animals, calotropis has shown some activity against pain, inflammation, bacteria, fever, and ulcers caused by alcohol and medications such as aspirin, indomethacin (Indocin), and others.

How does it work ?

Calotropis contains chemicals that might help thin mucous and make it easier to cough up. In studies in animals, calotropis has shown some activity against pain, inflammation, bacteria, fever, and ulcers caused by alcohol and medications such as aspirin, indomethacin (Indocin), and others.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Calotropis overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Calotropis is LIKELY UNSAFE, especially in high doses. It contains chemicals that can interfere with heart function. It can cause serious side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, slow heartbeat, convulsions, and death.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if calotropis is safe. It might cause an allergic reaction in some people.

When applied into the eye: There isn't enough reliable information to know if calotropis is safe. It can cause eye injury and vision loss if parts of the plant get into the eye.

When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if calotropis is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Calotropis is LIKELY UNSAFE, especially in high doses. It contains chemicals that can interfere with heart function. It can cause serious side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, slow heartbeat, convulsions, and death.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if calotropis is safe. It might cause an allergic reaction in some people.

When applied into the eye: There isn't enough reliable information to know if calotropis is safe. It can cause eye injury and vision loss if parts of the plant get into the eye.

When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if calotropis is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use calotropis when pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Calotropis

    Digoxin (Lanoxin) helps the heart beat more strongly. Calotropis also seems to affect the heart. Taking calotropis along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects. Do not take calotropis if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin) without talking to your healthcare professional.

  • Lithium interacts with Calotropis

    Calotropis might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking calotropis might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

  • Stimulant laxatives interacts with Calotropis

    Calotropis can affect the heart. The heart uses potassium. Laxatives called stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the chance of side effects from calotropis.

    Some stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax), cascara, castor oil (Purge), senna (Senokot), and others.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Calotropis

    Calotropis might affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart and increase the risk of side effects from calotropis.

    Some "water pills" that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of calotropis 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 calotropis. 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.
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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.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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