Laxatives and Cathartics Mechanism of Action

Question 0

Mineral oil

Answer 0

Softens stool material, permitting water and lipids to penetrate

Question 1

Docusate

Answer 1

Softens stool material, permitting water and lipids to permeate

Question 2

Methylcellulose

Answer 2

Bulk laxative

Question 3

Senna

Answer 3

Anthraquinone: Acute gut irritant, stimulating bowel movements

Question 4

Cascara

Answer 4

Anthraquinone: Acute gut irritant, stimulating bowel movements

Question 5

Dietary fiber

Answer 5

Bulk laxative

Question 6

Polycarbophil

Answer 6

Bulk laxative

Question 7

Danthron

Answer 7

Anthraquinone: Acute gut irritant, stimulating bowel movements

Question 8

Psyllium

Answer 8

Bulk laxative

Question 9

Sagrada

Answer 9

Anthraquinone: Acute gut irritant, stimulating bowel movements

Question 10

Bisacodyl

Answer 10

Smooth muscle irritant, altering water and electrolyte secretion and producing laxation

Question 11

Castor oil

Answer 11

Gut irritant that works on both small intestine and large intestine, stimulating peristalsis

Question 12

Linaclotide

Answer 12

Guanalyl cyclase C receptor stimulator, activating CFTR and increasing fluid secretion

Question 13

Lubiprostone

Answer 13

Prostanoic acid derivative that activates Type 2 Chloride channel, increasing water excretion

Question 14

Alvimopan

Answer 14

Mu opioid receptor antagonist

Question 15

Methylnaltrexone

Answer 15

Mu opioid receptor antagonist

Question 16

Lactulose

Answer 16

Nonabsorbable sugars that cause osmotic diarrhea

Question 17

Magnesium hydroxide

Answer 17

Milk of magnesia: Nonabsorbable, increasing osmolarity of the gut and treats constipation

Question 18

Sodium pohosphate

Answer 18

Nonabsorbable salt leading to osmotic diarrhea

Question 19

Polyethylene glycol solution

Answer 19

Increases osmolarity of gut and evacuates colon