bulk laxative

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Related to bulk laxative: bulk forming agents

bulk-forming laxative

Any laxative—e.g., psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, methylcellulose—which absorbs water and expands, increasing stool volume, facilitating passage of stools and increasing motility.

References in periodicals archive ?

Most of the bulk laxatives now on the market contain the grain psyllium, although some manufacturers have developed products from the milk derivative lactulose.

Demographics boon to laxatives

Psyllium, a fiber extract from the psyllium seed rich in soluble fiber, is widely used in bulk laxatives. Our research shows that two to three daily doses of the psyllium-containing laxative Metamucil reduce blood cholesterol 15 percent in men with high initial levels.

Sorting out fiber

Once the diagnosis has been made, there are a nuber of treatments that may help, such as antispasmodics to control diarrhea, tranquilizers for temporary relief of anxiety, and bulk laxatives (high in fiber) or stool softeners to relieve constipation, if necessary.

The #1 stomach disorder

Lamy cites examples of problems associated with the use of OTCs, such as swallowing chewable tablets whole (the tablets subsequently not dissolving, thus requiring surgical removal), dissolving aspirin tablets in the mouth (thus burning the lining of the flesh), and taking bulk laxatives without sufficient water dilution (necessitating surgical intervention to foster bowel evacuation).

Use of over-the-counter drugs requires prudence

At least two cereals, Kellogg's Fiberwise (formerly called Heartwise) and Bran Buds, contain psyllium, a grain high in soluble fiber that is primarily used in over-the-counter bulk laxatives. Some consumer groups and state officials have criticized this use of psyllium, saying that it makes cereal a "drug" and warning about possible side effects.

High-fiber cold cereals

Nevertheless, the AHPA figure also includes approximately $250 million in psyllium seed husks that are the key ingredient in O-T-C bulk laxatives (e.g., Procter & Gamble Co.'s Metamucil).

Herbal products post strong sales growth in drug stores

With the demand for oats and oat bran skyrocketing because of the cholesterol-lowering fiber they contain, it's not surprising that some people should also turn to over-the-counter bulk laxatives, which are especially rich in this soluble fiber.

Lowering cholesterol OTC

O-T-C buyer Kelly Dodson notes that his company records big sales with such products as Sandoz Pharmaceutical Corp.'s Ex-Lax and Schering-Plough Corp.'s Correctol, but not as much in bulk laxatives. "But I believe that will change," he adds.