LAXATIVES

Question 1

Is most often prescribed for short-term relief or prevention of constipation.

Answer 1

Laxatives

Question 2

Are not digested by the body and therefore add bulk and water to the contents of the intestines. Have an onset of action within 12 to 24 hours but may take up to 3 days.

Answer 2

Bulk-producing laxatives

Question 3

Lubricate the intestinal walls and soften the stool, thereby enhancing passage of fecal material. Have an onset of action within 6 to 8 hours.

Answer 3

Emollient Laxatives

Question 4

Promote water retention in the fecal mass and soften the stool. Have an onset of action between 24 and 72 hours.

Answer 4

Fecal softeners

Question 5

Dehydrate local tissues, which cause irritation and increased peristalsis, with consequent evacuation of the fecal mass. Onset of action within 24 hours to 48 hours for oral and 15 minutes if rectal

Answer 5

Hyperosmolar drugs

Question 6

Increase peristalsis by direct action on the intestine.

Answer 6

Irritant or stimulant laxatives

Question 7

Attract or pull water into the intestine, thereby increasing pressure in the intestine, followe by an increase in peristalsis.

Answer 7

Salin laxatives

Question 8

Bulk producing laxatives

Answer 8

Psyllium (metamucil) and polycarbophil (fibercon)

Question 9

Emolient laxatives

Answer 9

Mineral oil

Question 10

Fecal softeners

Answer 10

Docusate sodium (colace) and docusate (kaopectate stool softener)

Question 11

Hyperosmolar drugs

Answer 11

Glycerin

Question 12

Irritant or stimulant laxatives

Answer 12

Senna (senokot)

Question 13

Saline laxatives

Answer 13

Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia)