Emollient laxatives
Emollient laxatives
Emollients—also known as stool softeners—include the calcium, potassium, and sodium salts of docusate.
Pharmacokinetics
Administered orally, emollients are absorbed and excreted through bile in stool.
Pharmacodynamics
Emollients soften stool and make bowel movements easier by emulsifying the fat and water components of stool in the small and large intestines. This detergent action allows water and fats to penetrate stool, making it softer and easier to eliminate.
Stimulating talk
Emollients also stimulate electrolyte and fluid secretion from intestinal mucosal cells.
Pharmacotherapeutics
Emollients are the drugs of choice for softening stools in patients who should avoid straining during a bowel movement, including those with:
- recent MI or surgery
- disease of the anus or rectum
- increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
- hernias.
Drug interactions
Taking oral doses of mineral oil with oral emollients increases the systemic absorption of mineral oil and may result in tissue deposits of the oil.
Proceed with caution
Because emollients may enhance the absorption of many oral drugs, drugs with low margins of safety (narrow therapeutic index) should be administered cautiously with emollients.
Adverse reactions to emollient laxatives
Although adverse reactions to emollients seldom occur, they may include:
- bitter taste
- diarrhea
- throat irritation
- mild, transient abdominal cramping.
Thanks for your visit..!