Constipation emollients

A laxative is most often prescribed for the short-term relief or prevention of constipation. Certain stimulant, emollient, and saline laxatives are used to evacuate the colon for rectal and bowel examinations. Fecal softeners or mineral oil are used prophylactically in patients who should not strain during defecation, such as after anorectal surgery or a myocardial infarction. Psyllium may be used in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease. Fblycarbophil may be prescribed for constipation or diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis. Mineral oil is... 

DOSS itself is used as a laxative and cermumenolytic drug [71]. It is included in over-the-counter hematinic vitamin and mineral preparations to counteract the constipating effect of the iron contained in these products. In combination with anthrachinones, widespread use as catharic and emollient laxative is indicated [71-75]. 

Also known as surfactants and stool softeners, emollients (e.g., salts of docusate) act by increasing the surface wetting action on the stool leading to a softening effect. They reduce friction and make the stool easier to pass. These agents are not recommended for treating constipation of long duration. 

Emollient laxatives are not effective in treating constipation but are used mainly to prevent constipation. They may be helpful in situations where straining at stool should be avoided, such as after recovery from myocardial infarction, with acute perianal disease, or after rectal surgery. 

TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL USES India. Decoction of dried seeds is taken orally for diarrhea " " and as a demul-cent . Seeds are taken externally as an emollient poultice, for constipations, and for gastric complaints " . 

Docusate Calcium (Surfak)/Docusate Potassium (Dialose)/ Docusate Sodium (DOSS, Colace) [Emollient Laxative/Fecal Softener] Uses Constipation adjunct to painful anorectal conditions (hemorrhoids) Action Stool softener Dose Adults. 50-500 mg PO + daily qid Peds. Infants-3 y 10-40 mg/24 h daily qid 3-6 y 20-60 mg/24 h + daily qid 6-12 y 40-120 mg/24 h + daily qid Caution [C, ] Contra Use w/ mineral oil intestinal obst, acute abd pain, N/V Disp Caps, syrup, Liq, soln SE Rare abd cramping, D Interactions T Absorption of mineral oil EMS Monitor for Sxs of electrolyte disturbances and hypovolemia d/t D OD May cause N/V/D and abd pain symptomatic and supportive... 

Emollients (surfactants) are stool softeners (surface-acting drugs) and lubricants used to prevent constipation and decrease straining during defecation by lowering surface tension and promoting water accumulation in the intestine and stool. 

All parts of the plant have medicinal uses in many traditions all over Europe. Stembark, leaves, flowers, fruits, and root extracts are used to treat upper respiratory cold infections, fever but also stomach ache, constipation, diarrhea [5, 6, 7]. The flowers are said to have diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal, expectorant, diuretic and topical anti-inflammatory actions [7], Leaves and inner bark have also been used for their purgative, emetic, diuretic, laxative, topical emollient, expectorant, and diaphoretic action [7]. The Austrian traditional medicine uses the elderberries prepared as tea, jelly, juice or syrup to cure viral infections, fever, flu, colds, respiratory tract, mouth, gastrointestinal tract problems but also skin diseases [8],... 

In Chinese medicine, it is used as a nutritive, demulcent, emollient laxative, in cough due to luug dryuess, constipation, stomachache, sinusitis, oral ulcerations, scalds, and as a detoxicant for aconitine (hsu). 

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