Bulk-Forming Laxatives Dietary fiber and bulk laxatives with adequate fluid intake are the most physiologic and safest of medical therapies. However, they may be counterproductive in patients with idiopathic slow transit constipation or with constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome because they often worsen bloating and abdominal distension in these populations. Dietary Fiber Dietary fiber in cereals contain cell walls that resist digestion and retain water within their cellular structures, whereas those found in citrus fruits and legumes stimulate the growth of colonic flora and increase fecal mass. Wheat bran is the most effective fiber laxative with a clear dose response on fecal output. Patients with poor dietary habits may add 2 to 4 tablespoons of bran to each meal, followed by a glass of water or another beverage. A laxative effect may not be observed for 3 to 5 days. Patients should be cautioned that large amounts of bran can cause abdominal bloating or flatulence; therefore, they should start with small amounts and titrate slowly to the desired effect. Psyllium (Metamucil), Read more [...]

A treatment for constipation is especially relevant for consumers that suffer on a regular basis or cannot bear attendant symptoms. For the overall health it is important to have a regular bowel movement. If a healthy diet, lots of exercise and common "cures" such as prunes and fluids require several days to take effect and sometimes don't work at all, it might be necessary to take a laxative to restore regularity. It sometimes might be necessary to visit the doctor to diagnose the cause of constipation. Diagnosis If warning signs exist, the doctor should be consulted. Numerous hormonal disturbances, metabolic disorders and various drugs can cause constipation. Metabolic disorders include diabetes mellitus, an under-active thyroid, reduced potassium or increased calcium levels in the blood. Drugs that can cause constipation include antihypertensive agents, cardiac drugs, iron tablets, antidepressants, hypnotics and diuretics. If these causes can all be ruled out, so-called functional disturbances of spontaneous intestinal motility are generally responsible in 80 to 90 percent of cases. Read more [...]

CSA – Cheboygan Surgical Associates Definition Small, hard stools. Bowel movements (B.M.'s) may be infrequent and passing them may be difficult, painful or impossible. You may also have bloating or cramping. • Mild Constipation: no bowel movements for 1-2 days longer than usual • Moderate Constipation: no bowel movements for 2-3 days longer than usual • Severe Constipation: no bowel movements for 4-5 days longer than usual Causes Disease, side effects of treatment, decreased activity, lack of liquid in the diet and emotional stress can all cause constipation. Constipation is also caused by medications, such as: Darvocet Duragesic Patch Norco Tylenol #3 & #4 Darvon Kytril Percocet Tylox Demerol Lortab Percodan Vicodin Dilaudid Morphine Sulphate Roxanol Zofran Duramorph M.S. Contin Roxicet Prevention If possible, try to increase the amount of liquids you drink. Make some dietary changes, such as increasing fruits, vegetables and bran, and decrease starchy foods such as white bread, cakes and cheese. Many people find hot Read more [...]

Constipation is defined as the difficulty of passing stools, incomplete passage, or infrequent passage of hard stools. It can be further defined as having less than three stools per week for women and five for men despite a high residual diet, or a period greater than 3 d without a bowel movement. It can be caused by gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic and endocrine disorders, pregnancy, neurogenic and psychogenic problems, or it could be drug induced. Laxative Mechanisms of Action Laxatives promote bowel evacuation by decreasing water and electrolyte absorption, increasing intraluminal osmolarity, or increasing hydrostatic pressure in the gut. Chronic use of laxatives, particularly stimulants, may lead to laxative dependency. Laxative dependency, in turn, may result in fluid and electrolyte imbalances, steatorrhea, osteomalacia, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Known as laxative abuse syndrome (LAS), it is difficult to diagnose. Laxative abuse syndrome is often seen in women with anorexia nervosa, depression, and personality disorders and also in elderly patients with quasimedical concerns Read more [...]

Docusatos Docusate Calcium Drug Approvals US Adopted Name International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) in main languages (French, Latin, and Spanish): Dioctyl Calcium Sulfosuccinate; Dioctyl Calcium Sulphosuccinate; Docusato cálcico Chemical name: Calcium 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulphosuccinate Molecular formula: C40H74CaO14S2 = 883.2. CAS — 128-49-4. Pharmacopoeias. In US. The United States Pharmacopeia 31, 2008 (Docusate Calcium). A white amorphous solid with the characteristic odour of octil alcohol. Soluble 1 in 3300 of water very soluble in alcohol, in macrogol 400, and in maize oil. Docusate Potassium Drug Approvals US Adopted Name International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) in main languages (French, Latin, and Spanish): Dioctyl Potassium Sulfosuccinate; Dioctyl Potassium Sulphosuccinate; Docusato potásico. USAN: Docusate Potassium Chemical name: Potassium 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulphosuccinate Molecular formula: C20H37KO7S = 460.7. CAS — 7491-09-0. Pharmacopoeias. In US. The United States Pharmacopeia 31, 2008 (Docusate Potassium). A white amorphous Read more [...]

Laxatives are a group of different drugs, which may be used to treat constipation. Laxatives may be purchased with or without a prescription. Some common laxatives are: Type of Laxative Bowel Generic Name(s) Brand Name(s) Stimulants Bisacodyl Sennosides Dulcolax Senokot Stool Softeners Docusate Mineral Oil Glycerin Suppository Colace, Surfak Agarol, Lansoyl Bulk Forming Agents Psyllium Mucilloid Metamucil, Fibrepur, Prodiem Water Attracting Magnesium Salts Lactulose Milk of Magnesia, Citromag Cephulac, Acilac Enemas Phosphate Enema Fleet Appearance Laxatives are available as tablets, capsules, powders, granules, oral liquid, rectal suppositories and enemas. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will recommend the agent(s) and dosage form(s) which may best treat or prevent your constipation. Why these Medications are Used These medications are used to prevent or treat constipation, which may be a result of the drugs you are taking (eg. pain relievers), or after surgery, or prolonged bedrest. How do you take this Medication • It is important Read more [...]

Table 3 presents a classification of commonly used oral laxatives. TABLE 3 Oral Laxatives Stimulant Laxatives 1. Anthraquinone Laxatives senna (eg. Senokot) cascara (eg. together with aloe in Nature's Remedy) danthron (eg. Modane) 2. Diphenylmethane Laxatives phenolphthalein (eg. Ex-lax, Feen-a-mint) bisacodyl (eg. Dulcolax) 3. Castor oil Saline Laxatives magnesium hydroxide (eg. Milk of Magnesia) magnesium citrate (eg. Citro-Mag) Emollient Laxatives dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (eg. Colace) dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate (eg. Surfak) Bulk-forming Laxatives bran psyllium preparations (eg. Metamucil) methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose Lactulose (eg. Chronulac) Stimulant laxatives are thought to act on the intramural nervous plexus or intestinal smooth muscle. There is some reason to be concerned that prolonged use of any of the stimulant laxatives may damage the myenteric plexus, thereby impairing bowel function. However, at this point there is no direct evidence to Read more [...]