Laxatives contraindications

Laxatives are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity and those with persistent abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting of unknown cause or signs of acute appendicitis, fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, or acute hepatitis. These dragp are used only as directed because excessive or prolonged use may cause dependence. Magnesium hydroxide is used cautiously in patients with any degree of renal impairment. Laxatives... 

All laxatives are contraindicated in patients with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, symptoms of appendicitis or undiagnosed abdominal pain. Patients should consult their physicians if sudden changes in bowel habits persist for more than fourteen days or if use of a laxative for seven days results in no effect. 

Osmotic laxatives (e.g., lactulose, sorbitol) are poorly absorbed or nonabsorbable compounds that draw additional fluid into the GI tract. Lumen osmolality increases, and fluid movement occurs secondary to osmotic pressure. Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide that is poorly absorbed from the GI tract, since no mammalian enzyme is capable of hydrolyzing it to its monosaccharide components. It therefore reaches the colon unchanged and is metabolized by colonic bacteria to lactic acid and to small quantities of formic and acetic acids. Since lactulose does contain galactose, it is contraindicated in patients who require a galactose-free diet. Metabolism of lactulose by intestinal bacteria may result in increased formation of intraluminal gas and abdominal distention. Lactulose is also used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. 

Stimulant laxatives are not contraindicated in pregnancy, but should be avoided in the first trimester. They are generally not recommended, and most are not licensed, for use in children under 5. 

Osmotic laxatives (hyperosmolar) are salts or saline products, lactulose, and glycerin. The saline products are composed of sodium or magnesium, and a small amount is systemically absorbed. They pull water into the colon and increase water in the feces to increase bulk, which stimulates peristalsis. Saline cathartics cause a semiformed-to-watery stool depending on dose. However, they are contraindicated for patients who have congestive heart failure. 

Oral use of aloe latex is traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy (Bensky et al. 2004 Chen and Chen 2004), as side effects of stimulant laxatives, such as aloe latex, are reported to include induction of uterine contractions (De Smet 1993). Use during lactation is cautioned (Bensky et al. 2004 Brinker 2001). 

No studies on the use of unprocessed fo-ti during pregnancy or lactation were identified. No contraindications for use during pregnancy or lactation are listed in two traditional Chinese medicine texts (Bensky et al. 2004 Chen and Chen 2004). Based on stimulant laxative activity and an incomplete understanding of reports of hepatotoxic-ity associated with the incompletely processed tuber, use during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. 

While most stimulant laxatives have traditionally been contraindicated in pregnancy due to concerns regarding... 

Due to the stimulant effect of these laxatives, they are contraindicated in irritable/spastic colon conditions. A slight overdose can produce griping and discomfort, an effect that is generally connter-balanced by the presence of carminatives such as peppermint or coriander oil. It is unwise to rely on these remedies alone when... 

Extracts are quite extensively used in tonics (especially those for female ailments). Also used in diuretic, laxative, and antismoking preparations as well as in cosmetic and toiletry formulations, presumably for their tonic properties. In Germany, the root is used for disturbances in bile flow, as diuretic, and as an appetite stimulant. The herb is used for appetite and dyspeptic disorders, such as abdominal fullness and flatulence. Products are contraindicated in obstruction of bile ducts. 

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