Bearberry

Bearberry is used as a urinary tract antibacterial and astringent.

Bearberry is possibly effective for urinary tract inflammation.

Currently it is not clear if bearberry extended use is safe. Patients are advised not to use it long-term.

More evidence is needed to support use of bearberry for UTIs.

Bearberry is available under the following different brand names: arbutin, arctostaphylos uva ursi, mountain cranberry, and uva ursi.

Dosage varies by form.

Dosing Considerations

Dried herb

• 1.5-4 g orally once daily

Tea

• One cup of tea orally once daily
• Steep 3 grams dried leaf in 150 mL cold water for 12-24 hours and then strain

Fluid extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol)

• 1.5-4 mL orally three times daily

Hydroquinone derivative, calculated as water-free arbutin

• 100-210 mg orally once daily

Common side effects of Bearberry include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Greenish-brown urine

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

Moderate interactions of bearberry include:

• acetazolamide
• aluminum hydroxide
• calcium carbonate
• sodium bicarbonate
• sodium citrate/citric acid
• sodium lactate

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains bearberry. Do not take arbutin, arctostaphylos uva ursi, mountain cranberry, or uva ursi if you are allergic to bearberry or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

Renal Impairment

Effects of Drug Abuse

No information available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Bearberry?"

Long-Term Effects

• Currently it is not clear if bearberry extended use is safe. Patients are advised not to use it long-term.
• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Bearberry?"

Cautions

• WARNING: urine must be alkaline for efficacy