Laxative

laxative /lax·a·tive/ (lak´sah-tiv)

1. mildly cathartic.

2. a cathartic or purgative.

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bulk laxative , bulk-forming laxative one promoting bowel evacuation by increasing fecal volume.

contact laxative  one that increases the motor activity of the intestinal tract.

lubricant laxative  one that promotes softening of the stool and facilitates passage of the feces through the intestines by its lubricant effect.

saline laxative  a salt administered in hypertonic solution to draw water into the intestinal lumen by osmosis, distending it and promoting peristalsis and evacuation.

stimulant laxative  contact l.

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lax·a·tive (lks-tv)

n.

A food or drug that stimulates evacuation of the bowels.

adj.

Stimulating evacuation of the bowels.

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Laxative

Material that encourages a bowel movement.

Mentioned in: Encopresis

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laxative,

n ability of a substance to promote bowel loosening and movement.

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laxative

a medicine that loosens the bowel contents and encourages evacuation. A laxative with a mild or gentle effect on the bowels is also known as an aperient; one with a strong effect is referred to as a cathartic or a purgative.

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bulk laxative

hydrophilic, indigestible substances that absorb water and swell to form an emollient gel. The distention of the intestine stimulates defecation.

contact laxative

see stimulant laxative (below).

emollient laxative

the fecal softeners; act without being changed and simply aid expulsion by softening and lubricating. Called also lubricant laxative.

lubricant laxative

see emollient laxative (above).

stimulant laxative

stimulate accumulation of water and electrolytes in the colon, increasing intestinal motility. Called also contact laxative.