Laxative Drugs:
• used for constipation
• mechanisms of action:
• bulk forming laxative – increase water content of stool (eg psyllium)
• lubricant laxative – increases water retention in stools (eg mineral oil)
• osmotic laxative – increase water content of stool (eg lactulose)
• saline cathartic laxatives – draw water into bowel (eg magnesium citrate, magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), sodium phosphates)
• stimulant laxatives – stimulate peristalsis (eg bisacodyl, caster oil, senna)
• stool softeners – allow more fluid and fat into faeces (eg docusate calcium)
• adverse effects – nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, nutritional deficiencies
We have not yet got to this page to finish it yet. We will eventually. Please contact us if you have something to contribute to it or sign up for our newsletter or like us on Facebook and Instagram or follow us on Twitter. |
Page last updated:
Comments are closed.