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