Cranberry (Herb/Suppl)

UTI (prevention), urinary deodorizer for incontinent patients, type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, scurvy, pleurisy, as a diuretic, antiseptic, antipyretic, & cancer

Efficacy

Studies show significant reduction in the risk of recurrent UTI's in the elderly, hospitalized patients, and pregnant women

No reliable evidence shows effectiveness for treating UTI

Urinary odor: Preliminary research shows there may be a reduction in urinary odor in patients receiving oral cranberry

Diabetes: Clinical studies show NO improvement in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, fructosamine, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes

GI upset, diarrhea, kidney stones at high doses

Increased risk of cancer oxalate uroliths in predisposed patients

Contraindications

History of kidney stones

Cautions

Atrophic gastritis, hypochlorhydria

Potential interaction with warfarin & increased bleeding risk

Potential hypersensitivity

No evidence for efficacy in treatment

Pregnancy Category: avoid use

Lactation: avoid use

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of Action

Proanthocyanidins, other compounds prevent bacterial adherence to urothelium

Does not significantly decrease urine pH