What is chaparral?
The use of chaparral in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a
primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained
in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all
health care providers involved may be advantageous.
Chaparral is also known as Larrea tridentata, Larrea divaricata, creosote bush, greasewood,
and hediondilla.
Chaparral has been used for rheumatism, arthritis, stomach pain, cancer, and the common
cold.
Since the efficacy of chaparral has not been proven and its use has been associated with
serious liver damage, ingestion of chaparral is generally not recommended.
Chaparral has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of chaparral may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where
herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.
Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of
contamination.
Chaparral may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chaparral?
Do not take chaparral without first talking to your doctor if you are taking a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor) including isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate). Chaparral may interact with these medicines.
Before taking chaparral, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you
have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or
other herbal/health supplements. Chaparral may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take chaparral without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether chaparral will be harmful to an unborn
baby.
Do not
take chaparral without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether chaparral will be harmful to a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of chaparral by children. Do not
give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take chaparral?
The use of chaparral in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a
primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained
in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all
health care providers involved may be advantageous.
Since the efficacy of chaparral has not been proven and its use has been associated with
serious liver damage, ingestion of chaparral is generally not recommended.
If you choose to take chaparral, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Take the pill forms of chaparral with a full glass of water.
To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of chaparral with a dropper or a
dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Some forms of chaparral can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.
Topical forms of chaparral are intended for external use only.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of chaparral at
the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different
formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of chaparral.
Store chaparral as directed on the package. In general, chaparral should be protected from
light.
What happens if I miss a dose of chaparral?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of chaparral. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about chaparral?
Your pharmacist has information about chaparral written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of chaparral?
Although rare, allergic reactions to chaparral may occur. Stop taking chaparral and seek
emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Chaparral has been associated with cases of severe liver damage. Notify your doctor
immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite,
yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, or clay colored stools. These symptoms may be early signs
of liver damage.
Skin rash has been reported after coming in contact with the chaparral plant. Contact your
doctor or health care provider if you develop a rash or other skin irritation with the use of chaparral.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about chaparral?
Since the efficacy of chaparral has not been proven and its use has been associated with
serious liver damage, ingestion of chaparral is generally not recommended.
Chaparral has been associated with cases of severe liver damage. Notify your doctor
immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite,
yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, or clay colored stools. These symptoms may be early signs
of liver damage.
Chaparral has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of chaparral may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where
herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.
Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of
contamination.
What should I avoid while taking chaparral?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking chaparral, unless
otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect chaparral?
Do not take chaparral without first talking to your doctor if you are taking a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor) including isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate). Chaparral may interact with these medicines.
Interactions between chaparral and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care
professional before taking chaparral if you are taking any other medicines, vitamins, minerals, or
supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of chaparral?
