Laxatives

Question 1

Name 3 classes of laxatives.

Answer 1

1. Stool softeners
2. Stimulant laxatives
3. Osmotic laxatives

Question 2

Name 3 stool softeners.

Answer 2

1. Docusate
2. Liquid paraffin
3. Poloxamer

Question 3

Name 3 stimulant laxatives.

Answer 3

1. Bisacodyl
2. Senna
3. Sodium picosulfate

Question 4

Name 5 osmotic laxatives.

Answer 4

1. Glycerol
2. Lactulose
3. Macrogol laxatives
4. Saline laxatives
5. Sorbitol

Question 5

What type of laxative is docusate?

Answer 5

Stool softener

Question 6

What are 4 common adverse effects of docusate?

Answer 6

1. Abdominal cramps
2. Diarrhoea
3. Nausea
4. Rash

Question 7

What is an important counselling point with docusate?

Answer 7

Take the tablets with plenty of fluid

Question 8

What is the onset of action of docusate?

Answer 8

1 to 3 days.

Question 9

What type of laxative is senna?

Answer 9

Stimulant laxative

Question 10

What is an infrequent adverse effect of senna?

Answer 10

Discolouration of urine (yellowish brown or red)

Question 11

What is the onset of action of senna?

Answer 11

6 to 12 hours

Question 12

What type of laxative is lactulose?

Answer 12

An osmotic laxative.

Question 13

What are 3 common adverse effects of lactulose?

Answer 13

1. Flatulence
2. Abdominal discomfort
3. Cramps

Question 14

What is an important counselling point with lactulose?

Answer 14

This medicine tastes very sweet; it may help to mix it with fruit juice, water or milk.

Question 15

What is the onset of action of lactulose?

Answer 15

1 to 3 days

Question 16

What type of laxative is macrogol?

Answer 16

An osmotic laxative

Question 17

Describe the risk of fluid and electrolyte disturbances with macrogol.

Answer 17

Fluid and electrolyte disturbances are less of a risk with macrogol laxatives than with other osmotic laxatives (eg saline laxatives).

Question 18

What are 7 common adverse effects of macrogol?

Answer 18

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhoea
4. Anal irritation
5. Abdominal distension
6. Cramps
7. Pain

Question 19

What is abdominal distention?

Answer 19

Bloating or swelling in the abdomen.

Question 20

Can macrogol be given via PEG tube?

Answer 20

Macrogol can be given via PEG tube but must be made with at least 125 mL of water.