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Laxative overdose

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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

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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

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

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.

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