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Laxative overdose

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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


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
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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

Review Date: 02/13/2006
Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA MedicalCenter, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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