What is Chaparral?
Chaparral, also called Creosote, Creosotier, or Greasewood, is also known by the names Hediondilla (also called Hediondilla), Jarilla, and Larreastat.Alternative medicine has used Chaparral to treat colds, skin conditions, cancer, arthritis, and sexually transmitted diseases. It is also effective for treating stomach cramps, weight loss, bladder infections, and chickenpox. Research has not shown that Chaparral is effective for treating these conditions.Chaparral is not proven to be effective for treating medical conditions. The FDA has not granted this product medical clearance. Chaparral is not a substitute for medication prescribed by your doctor.Chaparral can be sold as an herbal supplement.Many herbal compounds do not meet FDA-regulated manufacturing standards and some supplements found on the market were later discovered contaminated with toxic drugs or metals.To minimise the risk, herbal or health supplements must be purchased from a reputable source.The use of Chaparral has been linked to serious kidney and liver damage or poisoning.Chaparral can be used in other ways than those listed in the product guide.
Side effects of Chaparral
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling to lips, face or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately.
If you are suffering from:
- Liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pains, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine or clay-coloured stool, or jaundice.
- Signs of kidney problems include little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling of your ankles or feet, and fatigue or shortness of breath.
Some of the common side effects associated with chaparral include:
- Nausea, stomach pain;
- Diarrhoea, weight loss;
- Fever;
- Itching or rash when used on skin
- Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects. Need medical advice about side effects? Speak to your physician. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Turmeric, Ginkgo Biloba, and Echinacea
Warnings
Chaparral has been deemed unsafe because of reports of serious kidney or liver damage or poisoning.This product should not be used if you suffer from liver or kidney diseases.
Before you take this drug
This product should not be used if:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
If you have any other medical conditions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider whether it's safe to use the product.Chaparral can harm an unborn child. Avoid using this product while pregnant.Chaparral can pass into breastmilk and harm nursing babies. Do not breastfeed while using chaparral.Don't give herbal or health supplements to children without consulting a doctor.
How to take chaparral?
Consult your doctor before using herbal supplements. Consult a health practitioner trained in herbal supplements.Use chaparral only as directed by the manufacturer or your doctor. Use only the recommended amount of this product.
Use different forms of chaparral (tablets or liquids, tinctures, teas, etc.) At the same time without consulting a doctor. Combining different formulations increases the risk of an overdose.Topical chaparral (for the skin only) should not be taken orally. Topical versions of this product should only be used on the skin.If your symptoms don't improve or worsen while using chaparral, call your doctor.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. Use extra chaparral for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Take chaparral separately from other herbal supplements, which may cause liver damage. Included in this are bishop's weeds, borage, and uva-ursi.
Interaction with other drug
If you have liver damage, do not take the herb without consulting your doctor.
- Acetaminophen
- Leflunomide, teriflunomide;
- Methotrexate;
- An antifungal medicine (sulfa drug) or a tuberculosis medication;
- Hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills
- Cholesterol lowering medications—Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Simcor, Vytorin, Zocor, and others;
- Gout or arthritis medication (including gold injectables);
- HIV/AIDS medications;
- Medicines to treat mental illnesses
- Nsaids (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac, and indomethacin.
- Seizure medication—carbamazepine, phenytoin, and others;
- Steroids (prednisone and others)
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and vitamins, may interact with the chaparral. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
