D Pharm 3.B Gastrointestinal Agents

Topic: Cathartics

Cathartics are the agents used to promote defecation or to relieve constipation.
Laxatives are mild cathartic and Purgatives are strong cathartics.
Cathartics Classification:

1. Laxatives
   A) Bulk producing drugs- Isapgol, agar-agar, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose.
   B) Stool softner (Emollient) – liquid Paraffin
2. Strong purgatives
   A) Irritant/Stimulant purgatives- senna glycoside, phenolphthalein, aloe, castor oil,
   rhubarb.
   B) Saline cathartics/ Osmotic laxatives:
   (i) Sodium Containing products- Sodium Potassium Tartrate, Sodium Phosphate
   (ii) Magnesium Containing products- Magnesium hydroxide, Magnesium sulphate, Magnesium Citrate (iii) Sulphur as cathartic (iv) Non-official Cathartics- Sodium Sulphate, Potassium Phosphate.