Products
Uzara extracts have been used in Germany since the year 1911 and are now commercially available in the form of tablets, as a solution and juice for oral use (Uzara). The products are obtained by dry extraction from the root of the Uzara plant of the Asclepiadoideae family, which is native to South Africa where it has been used as a traditional remedy.
Ingredients
Uzara root (Uzarae radix) contains cardiac glycosides of the cardenolide type such as the uzara glycosides uzarin, xysmalorin, allouzarin, and alloxysmalorin, which are related to the digitalis glycosides. Other constituents include tannins and flavonoids.
Effects
Extracts of uzara root (ATC A07XA) have motility-inhibiting and antispasmodic properties in the digestive tract.
Indications
For the treatment of nonspecific acute diarrhea.
Dosage
According to the package insert. Uzara root should be administered exclusively as a finished drug due to the risk of overdose. It should be taken independently of meals. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
Contraindications
Uzara root is contraindicated in hypersensitivity, concomitant treatment with cardiac glycosides, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and during pregnancy and lactation. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
When quinidine, calcium, diuretics, glucocorticoids (long-term therapy), and cardiac glycosides are administered concomitantly, enhancement of cardiac effects cannot be ruled out.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity reactions. In overdose, cardiotoxic symptoms of digitalis poisoning occur.
