Gastroenterology Book

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Laxative

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  1. See Also
    1. Constipation
    2. Functional Constipation
    3. Pediatric Constipation
  2. Laxative Types
    1. Bulk Laxative
      1. Preferred agents (effective with few adverse effects)
      2. Psyllium (e.g. Metamucil)
      3. Methylcellulose (e.g. Ctrucel)
      4. Calcium Polycarbophil (Fibercon)
      5. Dietary Fiber
    2. Emollient Laxative (Stool Softener)
      1. Docusate Sodium (Colace)
      2. Glycerin
      3. Mineral Oil (not recommended)
        1. Aspiration risk
        2. Depletes fat soluble vitamins
    3. Osmotic Laxative
      1. Poorly absorbed saccharides (Lactulose, Sorbitol)
      2. Magensium laxatives (Milk of Magnesia)
      3. Sodium bisphosphate (Fleets Phospho-Soda)
      4. Polyethylene glycol lavage solution (GoLytely)
    4. Stimulant Laxative (Risk of laxative abuse)
      1. Other laxative types are preferred over these
      2. Anthraquinone Laxative
        1. Cascara sagrada Extract (Casanthranol)
        2. Senna Extract (Senokot)
      3. Diphenylmethane Laxative
        1. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
        2. Phenolphthalein (OTC, Correctol, Ex-Lax)
    5. Combination Agents
      1. Peri-Colace contains Cascara and Docusate
      2. Senekot-S contains senna and Docusate
    6. Enemas and suppositories
      1. Never use hot water, soap, or hydrogen peroxide enema
      2. Tap water enema or saline enema (safest)
      3. Sodium Bisphosphate enema (Fleet Enema)
      4. Mineral Oil enema
      5. Glycerine suppository
      6. Bisacodyl suppository (dulcolax suppository)
    7. Prokinetic agents
      1. Tegaserod (Zelnorm)
        1. Indicated only in IBS for Constipation in women

Laxatives (C0282090)

Definition (CSP)agent that acts to promote evacuation of the bowel; a cathartic or purgative.
Definition (MSH)Agents that produce a soft formed stool, and relax and loosen the bowels, typically used over a protracted period, to relieve CONSTIPATION.
Definition (NCI)Synthetic compounds or mixtures administered orally or rectally with laxative activity. A laxative preparation is used to promote bowel movement to treat constipation or to clean the colon for rectal and bowel examinations. There are different types of laxatives that differ in mechanism of action and potency, including the bulk-producing agents, stool softeners, lubricants, hydrating agents, stimulants, saline laxatives and hyperosmotic agents.
ConceptsPharmacologic Substance (T121)
EnglishLaxative, Laxative Preparation, Laxatives, Mild cathartic
Spanishlaxante
CreditsDerived from the NIH UMLS (Unified Medical Language System)



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