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laxative
Classification:
- bulk-forming laxative
- osmotic laxative
- stool softener
- stimulant laxative
- opioid antagonist
- secretagogue
* see constipation for further description of laxative classes
* only polyethylene glycol, bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate, linaclotide, plecanatide & prucalopride with strong evidence of efficacy [1]
Indications:
- treatment of constipation
- bowel preparation for colonoscopy
Complications:
- regular laxative use associated with increased risk of all-cause dementia, especially with use of multiple laxative types or osmotic laxative [2]
Related
laxative abuse
Specific
bisacodyl (Dulcolax tablets, suppository)
casanthranol
casanthranol/docusate (Peri-Colace)
cascara sagrada
castor oil (Purge)
docusate
Duphalac
glycerol; glycerin (Osmoglyn)
guar gum
lactitol; lactitolum; importal; lactosit (Pizensy)
lactulose (Chronulac, Cephulac)
linaclotide (Linzess)
lubiprostone (Amitiza)
magnesium citrate (citrate of magnesia)
magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
methylcellulose (Citrucel, Murocel)
mineral oil (Kondremul)
naldemedine (Symproic)
naloxegol (Movantik)
phenolphthalein (Ex-Lax)
polycarbophil (Equalactin, Konsyl, FiberCon, Fiberlax, Fibertab)
polyethylene glycol [PEG] (Go-Lytely, CoLyte, Miralax, Glycolax)
prucalopride (Resotran, Motegrity)
psyllium (Metamucil, Fiberall)
senna; sennosides,(Senokot, Geri-kot)
sodium biphosphate (Fleet phospho soda enema)
suflave
General
gastrointestinal agent
References
- Chang L et al.
American Gastroenterological Association-American College of Gastroenterology
clinical practice guideline: Pharmacological management of chronic idiopathic
constipation.
Gastroenterology 2023 Jun; 164:1086.
PMID: 37211380
https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(23)00513-9/fulltext
- Yang Z, Wei C, Li X et al
Association Between Regular Laxative Use and Incident Dementia
in UK Biobank Participants.
Neurology. 2023 Apr 18;100(16):e1702-e1711.
PMID: 36813729 PMCID: PMC10115504 Free PMC article.
- Prescriber's Letter
Comparison of Laxatives
Detail-Document#: 180614
(subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com