Laxative overdose

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Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Laxative overdose

Definition:

Laxative poisoning is an overdose of a laxative. A laxative is a medication used to produce bowel movements. Most laxative poisonings in children are accidental. However, some people abuse laxatives by regularly taking overdoses in an effort to lose weight.

Alternative Names:

Laxative abuse

Poisonous Ingredient:

Bisacodyl
Carboxymethylcellulose
Cascara sagrada
Casanthranol
Castor oil
Dehydrocholic acid
Docusate
Glycerin
Lactulose
Magnesium citrate
Magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium oxide
Magnesium sulfate
Malt soup extract
Methylcellulose
Milk of magnesia
Mineral oil
Phenolphthalein
Poloxamer 188
Polycarbophil
Potassium bitartrate and sodium bicarbonate
Psyllium
Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid
Senna
Sennosides
Sodium phosphate

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found:

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
Cascara sagrada
Castor oil
Docusate (Colace)
Docusate and phenolphthalein (Correctol)
Glycerin suppositories
Lactulose (Duphalac)
Magnesium citrate
Malt soup extract (Maltsupex)
Methylcellulose
Milk of magnesia
Mineral oil
Phenolphthalein (Ex Lax)
Psyllium
Senna

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

References:

Ford MD, Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001: 332-333.

Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2002:149.

Review Date: 2/13/2006
Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA MedicalCenter, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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