3. Emollient Purgatives
• Commonly known as “stool softeners”,
act without being changed and simply aid
expulsion by softening(docusate) and
lubricating(liquid paraffin).
• one that promotes softening of the stool and
facilitates passage of the feces through the
intestines by its lubricant effect.
6. Cont.
• Mechanism of Action:
-They are anionic detergents.
-They lower the surface tension of the stool
-Hence, cause the accumulation of fluid and
fatty substance and thus soften the stools.
7. Cont.
• These agents act within 1-3 days
• Route of Administration:
-orally OR as a retention enema
9. Liquid Paraffin
• It is a mineral oil
• Mechanism of Action:
- Penetrates and soften the stool in 2-3 days.
- Also has lubricant effect, and thus helps in smooth
defaecation.
• Route of Administration:
-orally
**Preferred laxative in patients with cardiac disease,
because it prevent straining during defaecation.
10. Cont.
• Disadvantages:
a) very unpleasant to swallow because of oily
consistency.
b) While swallowing, it may trickle into lungs causing
lipid pneumonia.
c) Carries away fat soluble vitamins with it into the
stools; deficiency may occur on chronic use.
d) Leakage of the oil pass anal sphincter may embarrass.
e) May interfere with healing in the anorectal region.
