Laxative Abuse Cessation Leading to Severe Edema

Cureus. 2021 Jun 23;13(6):e15847. doi: 10.7759/cureus.15847. eCollection 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Stimulant laxatives are a common class of laxatives that is abused by patients with eating disorders. We present a case of a 30-year-old female who presented with dyspnea, peripheral edema and weight gain who had been chronically using laxatives. Her symptoms were consistent with rebound edema caused by sodium and free water shifts with abrupt cessation of excessive stimulant laxative use. This case highlights the use of furosemide as the mainstay treatment for rebound edema and weight gain.

Keywords: adverse drug reaction; diuretic therapy; edema; laxative abuse; simulant laxative.

Publication types

  • Case Reports