This document discusses causes of constipation and the use of magnesium sulfate as a laxative. It summarizes that constipation can be caused by low fiber intake, low water intake, slow movement through the colon allowing for water reabsorption, lack of physical activity, and certain medical conditions. Magnesium sulfate works as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the intestines to soften stool. It has several medical uses including as a laxative, to treat magnesium deficiency, prevent preterm birth, treat asthma, and regulate heart rhythms.

1. PENNED BY:
Dr. Alex Martin
Ph.D., M.Pharm, FAGE

2. Formation of hard stools
CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION
Fiber builds up the mass of the stool and stimulates peristalsis.
2. Less intake of water can lead to hard stool.
3. Time required for the bolus to pass through colon.
As time required increases, water re-absorption from
bolus increases. This can lead to dry and hard stool
In elderly and people lacking physical activity , time required
for the bolus to pass through colon is more. This gives the body
more time to reabsorb water.

3. This leads to the stool going up and staying more time in the colon just to
get dried up of its water content. Leads to hard stool.
Colorectal disorders such as colon cancer, colorectal stricture (Narrowing
of colon), hernia, diverticulitis, Irritable bowel syndrome etc.
7. Other disease conditions
Tumors that block intestine, neurological conditions, diabetes,
uremia can also cause constipation
Hard stool
Bloating Nausea
Abdominal discomfort,
cramping and pain
Feeling it difficult
to pass stool
Decreased
appetite
Straining

4. Stimulates peristalsis and facilitates or eases
evacuation of bowels.
Elimination of formed and soft stools.
Milder in action
Suggested in haemorrhoids, warts, hernia, anal itching and other anorectal disease.

5. Stronger in action
Evacuation of thick watery stool

6. 1. Bulk
cathartics
Increase
bulk of
feces. After
coming in
contact with
water, these
materials
swell and
increase the
bulk of stool
Eg:
Psyllium
husk
Dietary
fibre (from
wheat,
oats etc)
Methylcell
ulose
2.Lubricant/E
mollient
Cathartics
Moisten
the stools
and reduce
friction
between
feces and
intestinal
lumen
Eg: Liquid
Paraffin
Glycerine
Docusate
sodium

7. White crystalline solid
Odourless
M.P. = 1124°C
Taste: Cool and Saline
Soluble in water. Slightly
soluble in alcohol
On heating, it converts
into its monohydrate
form.
MgSO4.7H20 MgSO4.H2O
Δ
MEDICINAL USES OF Mg(SO4)2
1. As an oral Saline/Osmotic Cathartic
2. As replacement, in case of Magnesium deficiency
3. As a tocolytic medication. Mg(SO4)2 inhibits
contraction of uterine smooth muscles and prevents
delivery of premature babies.
4. In severe attacks of asthma. Mg(SO)4 is a bronchodilator. It relaxes
bronchial muscles and opens up airways, allowing more air to flow.

8. 5. As an anti-arrhythmic agent for torsades de pointes (an abnormal
heart rhythm where QT wave gets prolonged). It relaxes heart
muscles and prevents irregular heart beats
7. Prior to the use of EDTA-chelation therapy, Mg(SO4)2 was used
as an antidote in lead and barium poisoning.
White
crystals/granules
Odourless
Hyroscopic
Solution in water
shows
effervescence
when warmed.
Soluble in water
but insoluble in
alcohol

9. 1. As Saline/Osmotic Cathartic
2. To clear bowels before performing endoscopy
4. As component of PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline), which is one of the
most extensively used buffer systems in pharmaceuticals.

10. THANK YOU….