Laxatives

Question 0

Describe the action of sennosides.

Answer 0

Active components of senna (sennosides) alter water and electrolyte transport in the large intestine, resulting in accumulation of water and increased peristalsis.

Therapeutic effects: laxative action.

Question 1

List some of the trade names of sennoside laxatives.

Answer 1

• Black-Draught
• Ex-Lax
• Ex-Lax chocolated
• Fletchers’ Castoria
• maximum relief Ex-Lax
• Senna-Gen
• senexon
• Senokot*
• SenokotXTRA

Question 2

Describe the period of action of sennoside laxatives.

Answer 2

Route: PO
Onset: 6 to 12 hours
Peak: Unknown
Duration: 3 to 4 days

Question 3

List some trade names of docusate calcium stool softeners.

Answer 3

• DC softgels
• Dioctocal
• Pro-Cal-Sof
• Sulfolax
• Surfak

Question 4

List some trade names of docusate sodium stool softeners.

Answer 4

• Colace*
• Correctol stools softener softgels
• Diocto
• Docu
• Docusoft S
• DOK
• DOS softgels
• DOSS
• DSS
• Dulcolax stool softener
• Ex-Lax stool softener
• Fleet Sof-Lax
• Modane Soft
• Phillips liqui-gels
• Regulax – SS

Question 5

Describe the action of docusate laxatives.

Answer 5

Promotes incorporation of water into stool, resulting in softer fecal mass. May also promote electrolyte and water secretion into the colon.

Therapeutic effects: softening and passage of stool.

Question 6

Describe the period of action of docusate laxatives.

Answer 6

Route: PO
Onset: 24 to 48 hours; up to 3 to 5 days
Peak: unknown
Duration: unknown

Route: rectal
Onset: 2 to 15 minutes
Peak: unknown
Duration: unknown

Question 7

List some trade names of magnesium hydroxide (41.7% Mg; 34.3 mEq Mg/g).

Answer 7

• Dulcolax magnesia tablets
• Phillips magnesia tablets
• Philipps milk of magnesia*
• MOM*

Question 8

Describe the action of magnesium salts (oral).

Answer 8

Oral magnesium salts are essential for the activity of many enzymes. Play an important role in neurotransmission and muscular excitability. Are osmotically active in G.I. tract, drawing water into the lumen and causing peristalsis.

Therapeutic effects: replacement in deficiency states. Evacuation of the colon.

Question 9

Describe the period of action of oral magnesium salts.

Answer 9

Route: PO
Onset: 3 to 6 hours
Peak: unknown
Duration: unknown