Chapter 74 Laxatives
Laxatives Used to ease or stimulate defecation – Soften the stool – Increase stool volume – Hasten fecal passage through the intestine – Facilitate evacuation from the rectum
Indications for Laxative Use Constipation is determined by stool consistency and frequency of defecation Indications Diagnosis Treatment/procedure preparation Constipation Poisoning
Classification of Laxatives Bulk-forming laxatives Psyllium (Metamucil) Surfactant laxatives Docusate sodium (Colace) Stimulant laxatives Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) Osmotic laxatives Milk of magnesia (MOM)