Constipation Flashcards
1
Q
What are the main classes of laxatives?
A
Stimulant (Senna) Bulk forming (isphaghula) Osmotic (lactulose) Softners Enemas
2
Q
How do stimulant laxatives work?
A
Increasing intestinal motility
3
Q
How do bulk forming laxatives work?
A
Hold water in the stool increasing weight and making the stool easier to pass
4
Q
How do osmotic laxatives work?
A
Promote the secretion of water in the lumen of the bowel
5
Q
How do softener laxatives work?
A
Surfactants that ease interaction between water and the stools
6
Q
How do enema laxatives work?
A
Used in impaction
