GastroIntestinal Drugs

LAXATIVES

(Aperients, Purgatives, Cathartics)

CLASSIFICATION

1. Bulk forming

Dietary fibre: Bran, Psyllium (Plantago)

Ispaghula, Methylcellulose

2. Stool softener

Docusates (DOSS), Liquid paraffin

3. Stimulant purgatives

(a) Diphenylmethanes

Phenolphthalein, Bisacodyl, Sodium picosulfate

(b) Anthraquinones (Emodins)

Senna, Cascara sagrada

(c) 5-HT4 agonist

Prucalopride

(d) Fixed oil

Castor oil

4. Osmotic purgatives

Magnesium salts: sulfate, hydroxide

Sodium salts: sulfate, phosphate Sod. pot. tartrate, Lactulose