purgative /pur·ga·tive/ (purg´it-iv) cathartic (1, 2).
purgative
cathartic [kah-thahr´tik]
purgative,
pur·ga·tive (pûr g -t v)n. An agent used for purging the bowels. adj. Tending to cause evacuation of the bowels. pur ga·tive adj. |
purgative
[pur′gətiv]
Etymology: L, purgare, to purge
a strong medication usually administered by mouth to promote evacuation of the bowel or to produce several bowel movements.
cathartic [kah-thahr´tik]
1. causing emptying of the bowels.
3. producing emotional catharsis.
bulk cathartic one stimulating bowel evacuation by increasing fecal volume.
lubricant cathartic one that acts by softening the feces and reducing friction between them and the intestinal wall.
saline cathartic one that increases fluidity of intestinal contents by retention of water by osmotic forces, and indirectly increases motor activity.
stimulant cathartic one that directly increases motor activity of the intestinal tract.
purgative,
n substance that promotes bowel loosening and movement,
purgative
1. a purge or cathartic (1); causing bowel evacuation.
2. a cathartic, particularly one stimulating peristaltic action. See also laxative.
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