What are cathartic medications?

What are cathartic medications?

In medicine, a cathartic is a substance that accelerates defecation. This is similar to a laxative, which is a substance that eases defecation, usually by softening feces. It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathartic.

Why are Cathartics used for constipation?

Cathartics and laxatives increase the motility of the intestine or increase the bulk of feces.

What are side effects of stimulant laxatives?

Some of the side effects that you can experience with stimulant laxatives include: burping. abdominal cramping. diarrhea….Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects while taking stimulant laxatives:

• irregular heartbeat.
• faintness.
• confusion.
• muscle aches.
• fatigue or weakness.
• skin rash.

What is the cathartic effect?

A catharsis is an emotional release. According to psychoanalytic theory, this emotional release is linked to a need to relieve unconscious conflicts. For example, experiencing stress over a work-related situation may cause feelings of frustration and tension.

What are examples of Cathartics?

Examples of hyperosmotic cathartics include magnesium salts, sodium salts, and sugar alcohols.

• Magnesium salts are frequently used PO as saline purgatives.
• Sodium salts can be given PO as saline cathartics but are more commonly administered as sodium biphosphate or sodium phosphate enemas.

Who should not take a stimulant laxative?

This product contains either a stimulant or irritant laxative. Both types of laxatives help to increase the activity of the intestines to move stool out faster. Stimulant laxatives should not usually be used in children younger than 10 years unless prescribed by a doctor.

What are the side effects of stimulant cathartics?

Side effects associated with stimulant cathartics include belching, diarrhea, and cramping. Stimulant cathartics should be taken on an empty stomach in order to produce faster effects. Potassium loss, cramping, the laxative habit, and pinkish urine or stool are effects associated with stimulant cathartics.

Are there any over the counter cathartic drugs?

Senna and bisacodyl are stimulant cathartics that affect the large intestine and are found in many over-the-counter human laxative formulations. These drugs are poorly absorbed from the GI tract and draw fluid into the intestine by osmosis. The fluid content of the feces increases, which causes intestinal distention and promotes peristalsis.

Can you take cathartics on an empty stomach?

Stimulant cathartics should be taken on an empty stomach in order to produce faster effects. Potassium loss, cramping, the laxative habit, and pinkish urine or stool are effects associated with stimulant cathartics. (1) Bisacodyl ( Dulcolax ®).

How are cathartic and laxative drugs used in medicine?

Cathartics and laxatives increase the motility of the intestine or increase the bulk of feces. The dosages for all of these drugs are highly empirical and usually extracted from human dosages (see Cathartic and Laxative Drugs).