Cranberry

Cranberry is used to prevent urinary tract infections (UTI). If you think you have a UTI, see a doctor to ensure you receive proper treatment.

Cranberry Overview

Reviewed: June 17, 2014
Updated: 

Cranberry is the fruit of a native plant.

Cranberry is used most often to prevent urinary tract infections, Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infections that can lead to stomach ulcers, or to prevent dental plaque. Cranberry has also been reported to have antioxidant and anticancer activity.

Cranberry is thought to work by preventing bacteria, such as E. coli, from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection. There is also some evidence that cranberry may reduce the ability of H. pylori bacteria to live in the stomach and cause ulcers.

Common side effects of cranberry include gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.

Cranberry Cautionary Labels

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precautionsprecautions

Uses

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Cranberry is used most often to prevent urinary tract infections, Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infections that can lead to stomach ulcers, or to prevent dental plaque.

Cranberry has also been reported to have antioxidant and anticancer activity.

Cranberry may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Cranberry

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Common side effects of cranberry include the following:

  • gastrointestinal upset
  • diarrhea

Drinking cranberry juice products appears to be safe, although excessive amounts could cause the listed side effects.

This is not a complete list of cranberry side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Cranberry Interactions

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Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

  • blood-thinning drugs (such as warfarin)
  • medications that affect the liver
  • aspirin

This is not a complete list of cranberry drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

 

Cranberry Precautions

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Special precautions & warnings:

Cranberry can help prevent urinary tract infections; however, the evidence is not definitive, and more research is needed. Cranberry has not been shown to be effective as a treatment for an existing urinary tract infection.

  • People who think they have a urinary tract infection should see a health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.