Laxative Uses and Types

Laxatives are utilized for a variety of reasons:

  • When a person is not allowed to strain to move their bowels such as people who just had surgery or patients who had heart failure (so they don’t stress their heart).
  • Acute constipation where the patient needs relief right away.
  • Chronic constipation where they chronically have a problem with their bowels.
  • Preparation for radiologic or gastrointestinal exam where the entire GI tract needs to be removed for a procedure.
  • Preparation for GI surgery (we have to remove the bacteria and the fecal matter)

Classification of Laxatives

  • Hydrophillic Colloids (bulk forming)
  • Saline Cathartic
  • Surface Wetting (stool softener)
  • Lubricant Oils
  • Stimulant Cathartics