Faecal softeners

Constipation bulk-forming laxatives by increasing faecal mass tend to soften stools and relieve constipation, and have value in a range of symptomatic problems associated with anal fissure, haemorrhoids, and with ileostomy and colostomy dysfunction. Faecal softeners, lactulose and macrogols (polyethylene glycol) retain fluid in the bowel. Stimulant laxatives, such as the anthraquinone, senna, and bisacodyl, increase motility and can cause colic verdoses can cause diarrhea and electrolyte depletion. Chronic treatment for constipation is seldom needed, but may be in children with a tendency to faecal impaction, specialist advice should be sought. 

It is a petroleum hydrocarbon, an inert viscous liquid. It is a faecal softener and causes lubrication of hard scybali by coating them. Paraffin lubricates the passage of faeces. It is not absorbed and is safe. 

Faecal softeners (such as docusate, which is stimulating but which also has softening properties). These can be useful where passing stools may be uncomfortable e.g. with haemorrhoids... 

Drug treatment involves the use of laxatives. There are four main types bulk-forming preparations, hyperosmolar or saline solutions, faecal soften-ers/wetting agents and stimulant or irritant laxatives. 

Danthron is available as a standardised preparation in combination with the faecal softeners poloxamer 188 (co-danthramer) and docusate sodium (as co-danthrusate). It acts in 6-12 h. Evidence from rodent studies indicates a possible carcinogenic risk and long-term exposure to danthron should be avoided. 

Faecal softeners act as detergents on the surface of faeces causing them to absorb water and soften. An example is docusate, which can be used prior to imaging. However, other types of laxatives (see below) are better for this purpose. 

Faecal softeners pnrmote defaecaliun by softening (e.g. docusate and/or lubricating (e.g. arachis oil, lit uid paraflin) faeces and assisting evacuation. Chronic use of liquid paraffin may impair absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A and D and cause paraffinomas. 

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