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Laxatives and Pugatiives
Laxatives and Pugatiives
Laxatives and Pugatiives
By
After the end of this lecture YOU will be able to
Dr. Muneeb Describe constipation
Differentiate between laxatives and purgatives
Identify drugs to treat constipation
Describe mechanisms of action of laxatives and purgatives
Drugs acting on GIT Recognize Side Effects (SE) of laxatives and purgatives
Laxatives &
Purgatives
Dr. Syed Muneeb Anjum (Ph.D.)
IPS, UVAS University of Veterinary and
Animal Sciences 1 2
Constipation Constipation
Constipation General Management
Unsatisfactory defecation Balanced diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables
Infrequent stools, difficult stool passage, or seemingly incomplete Increased dietary fibre content, adequate fluid intake and exercise
defaecation Fibre intake should be increased gradually (to minimise flatulence and bloating)
Can occur at any age The effects of a high-fibre diet may be seen in a few days although it can take as long as 4 weeks
Commonly seen in women, the elderly, and during pregnancy Adequate fluid intake is important (particularly with a high-fibre diet or fibre supplements), but can be difficult for some
It happens most often due to changes in diet or routine, or due to people (for example, the frail or elderly).
inadequate intake of fiber Fruits high in fibre and sorbitol, and fruit juices high in sorbitol, can help prevent and treat constipation.
Bowel habit Misconceptions
Bowel habits may lead to excessive laxative use
Bowel habit can vary considerably in frequency without doing harm
Laxative abuse may lead to hypokalaemia
Not having a bowel movement daily is NOT constipation
Before prescribing laxatives it is important to be sure that the patient is constipated and that the constipation is not
Constipation and risk of malignancy or other serious bowel secondary to an underlying undiagnosed complaint
disorder
New onset constipation at age over 50
Accompanying symptoms such as anaemia, abdominal pain, weight loss,
or overt or occult blood in the stool
Needs detailed investigations 3 4
Laxatives and Purgatives Laxatives and Purgatives
Drugs that promote evacuation of bowels. Classified based on the intensity of action.
Laxative or aperient
Milder action, elimination of soft but formed stools
Purgative or cathartic
Stronger action resulting in more fluid evacuation
Many drugs in low doses act as laxative and in larger doses as purgative
Classification Classification
Bulk forming laxatives Stool softeners
Dietary fibre: Bran, Psyllium Docusates (DOSS), Liquid paraffin, Glycerol
(Plantago),Ispaghula, Methylcellulose suppositories
Stimulant laxatives/purgatives Osmotic laxatives/purgatives
Diphenylmethanes Magnesium sulphate, Magnesium hydroxide
Phenolphthalein, Bisacodyl, Sodium picosulfate Sodium sulphate, Sodium phosphate
Anthraquinones (Emodins) Sodium potassium Tartrate
Senna, Cascara sagrada, co-danthramer Lactulose
5-HT4 agonist
Others
Tegaserod
Linaclotide, Prucalopride 5 6
9 10
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