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In medicine, a cathartic is a substance that accelerates defecation. This is similar to a laxative, which is a substance that eases defecation, usually by softening feces. [1] It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathartic. However, agents such as psyllium seed husks increase the bulk of the feces. [2] [3]
They are used to treat and prevent constipation. Laxatives vary as to how they work and the side effects they may have. Certain stimulant, lubricant, and saline laxatives are used to evacuate the colon for rectal and bowel examinations, and may be supplemented by enemas under certain circumstances. Sufficiently high doses of laxatives may cause ...
[5] [6] This compound is a stimulant laxative and increases peristalsis in the gut. [5] [7] Sodium picosulfate is typically prescribed in a combined formulation with magnesium citrate, an osmotic laxative. This combination is a highly effective laxative, often prescribed to patients for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopies. [5] [8]
Laxatives are usually over-the-counter medications designed to help those dealing with constipation and having trouble with bowel movements. Usually, laxatives are a consideration after lifestyle ...
Lactulose is a non-absorbable sugar used in the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. [3] [4] It is administered orally for constipation, and either orally or rectally for hepatic encephalopathy. [3] It generally begins working after 8–12 hours, but may take up to 2 days to improve constipation. [1] [2]
Sodium citrate saline is one of the most effective osmotic laxatives (secondary in action only to magnesium citrate). [8] Its laxative action is the result of osmotic imbalance that extracts bound water from stool and pulls it back into the large bowel. The increased water content softens the stool and stimulates the bowel to contract (move its ...