laxative

laxative /lax·a·tive/ (lak´sah-tiv)

1. mildly cathartic.

2. a cathartic or purgative.

---

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.

---

lax·a·tive (lks-tv)

n.

A food or drug that stimulates evacuation of the bowels.

adj.

Stimulating evacuation of the bowels.

---

Laxative

Material that encourages a bowel movement.

Mentioned in: Encopresis

---

laxative (lax)

[lak′sətiv]

Etymology: L, laxare, to loosen

1  adj, pertaining to a substance that causes evacuation of the bowel by a mild action.

2  n, a laxative agent that promotes bowel evacuation by increasing the bulk of the feces, softening the stool, or lubricating the intestinal wall. Compare cathartic.

---

laxative [lak´sah-tiv]

a medicine that loosens the bowel contents and encourages evacuation. One with a mild or gentle effect is also known as an aperient; one with a strong effect is referred to as a cathartic or purgative. Bland laxatives may be used temporarily in treatment of constipation along with other measures. mineral oil and olive oil act as lubricants; sometimes mineral oil is used in combination with agar, which is bulk-producing. cascara sagrada aromatic fluid extract and milk of magnesia are two other mild laxatives. Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid, a preparation from a plant seed, helps elimination by encouraging peristaltic movements. Saline purges, such as sodium phosphate and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), flush the intestinal tract by preventing the intestines from absorbing water; evacuation takes place as soon as water accumulates. castor oil is a strong cathartic that causes complete evacuation of the bowels. Its administration is followed by temporary constipation.

Dangers of Laxatives. Laxatives should be used only with the advice of a health care provider. Constipation may be a symptom of serious organic illness as well as the result of improper diet and habits. Also, laxatives taken regularly tend to deprive the colon of its natural muscle tone and thus can be the cause of chronic constipation rather than its cure. Mineral oil taken regularly interferes with the absorption of certain vitamins, especially those that are fat soluble. It can also seep into the lungs, causing a reaction resembling pneumonia, especially in older people. Purgative salts can produce dehydration. Laxatives that produce bulk may cause stonelike balls (bezoars) to develop. A strong cathartic such as castor oil can have fatal results if used when there is nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or other symptoms of appendicitis. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy. Children cannot use as large dosages or as strong laxatives as adults.

---

laxative,

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

laxative

Purgative Pharmacology Any agent used to encourage the onward march of the waste stream. See Bulk-forming laxative, Stimulant laxative.