Laxatives

Laxatives are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation. Laxatives vary as to how they work and the side effects they may have. Certain stimulant, lubricant and saline laxatives are used to evacuate the colon for rectal and bowel examinations, and may be supplemented by enemas under certain circumstances. Sufficiently high doses of laxatives may cause diarrhea.

Types

Laxatives come in several forms: bulk-forming, stimulant, lubricant, osmotic, stool softeners, and saline.

Bulk-forming laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as roughage, are substances, such as fiber in food and hydrophilic agents in over-the-counter drugs, that add bulk and water to stools so that they can pass more easily through the intestines (lower part of the digestive tract).

Stimulant laxatives

Stimulant laxatives are substances that act on the intestinal mucosa or nerve plexus, altering water and electrolyte secretion.

Lubricant laxatives

Lubricant laxatives are substances such as mineral oil that coat the stool to make it slippery, so it can pass through the intestine more easily.

Osmotic laxatives

Osmotic laxatives are substances that cause the intestines to hold more water within, softening the stool.

Stool softeners

Stool softeners, also known as emollient laxatives, are anionic surfactants that enable additional water and fats to be incorporated in the stool, making it easier for them to move through the digestive tract.

Saline laxatives

Saline laxatives are non-absorbable osmotically active substances that draw water into the intestines.

Side effects

The use of laxatives could have side effects such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, laxative dependency, and in severe cases, kidney damage.

See also

• Constipation
• Bowel movement
• Digestive tract

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