Laxatives

Excerpt

Laxatives are a category of medications frequently used to address constipation and various other gastrointestinal medical conditions. Their primary mechanism involves enhancing digestion and promoting bowel movements, thereby facilitating the process of bodily excretion. Laxatives can provide relief for patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, chronic idiopathic constipation, and opioid-induced constipation. Besides addressing constipation, laxatives are occasionally used to empty the bowels before procedures such as colonoscopies. Osmotic or stimulant laxatives are typically used as the first treatment option for constipation. If they do not effectively manage constipation, prokinetics or secretagogues may be used as the next steps. Laxatives are categorized based on the mechanism of action they exert, including bulk-forming laxatives, osmotic and prokinetic agents, lubricants, stimulants, and other types.