karaya powder /kär″äyä/ [Hindi, karayal, resin; L, pulvis, dust] , a dried form of Sterculia urens or other species of Sterculia, used as a bulk cathartic. The use of such a bulk-forming cathartic may also increase the loss of sodium, potassium, and water. With some individuals the use of karaya powder may cause allergic reactions such as urticaria, rhinitis, dermatitis, and asthma. Methylcellulose has largely replaced this drug in modern use. Externally it is used as a drying agent for stage I and stage II pressure ulcers.
