Laxatives: Difference between revisions
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===Hyperosmotic agents===<!-- This section is linked from [[Glycerol]] | ===Hyperosmotic agents===<!-- This section is linked from [[Glycerol]] → | ||
''Substances that cause the intestines to hold more water within and create an osmotic effect that stimulates a bowel movement.'' | ''Substances that cause the intestines to hold more water within and create an osmotic effect that stimulates a bowel movement.'' | ||
Revision as of 18:40, 8 February 2017
Types
Bulk-forming agents
Substances, such as dietary fiber and hydrophilic agents that add bulk and water to more easily through the intestines.
- Site of action: Small and large intestines
- Onset of action: 12–72 hours
- Examples: dietary fiber, psyllium (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), polycarbophil (FiberCon)
Dietary fiber
Includes insoluble fiber and soluble fiber, such as:
- Fruits, such as bananas, kiwifruits, prunes, apples (with skin), pears (with skin), and raspberries
- Vegetables, such as broccoli, string beans, kale, spinach, cooked winter squash, cooked green peas, and baked potatoes (with skin)
- Whole grains
- Bran products
- Nuts
- Legumes, such as beans, peas, and lentils
Emollient agents (stool softeners)
Anionic surfactants that enable additional water and fats to be incorporated in the stool, making it easier for them to move through the gastrointestinal tract.
- Site of action: small and large intestines
- Onset of action: 12–72 hours
- Examples: docusate (Colace, Diocto), Gibs-Eze
Lubricant agents
Coat the stool with slippery lipids and retard colonic absorption of water so that the stool slides through the colon more easily. Lubricant laxatives also increase the weight of stool and decrease intestinal transit time.
- Site of action: colon
- Onset of action: 6–8 hours
- Example: mineral oil