9a. laxatives

Latin: Laxare:- means to -loosen Laxatives are the drugs which loose the bowels (intestine) Depending upon the intensities of drug effects they are categorized as follows- Laxatives: suggest the elimination of soft formed stools (mild purgatives) ex. Senna, isapgol, liquid paraffin Purgatives: suggest more fluid evaluation ex. Castor oil, aloe, rhubarb, cascara Drastics: act intensely by irritating the mucous membrane of intestine ex. Jalap, podophyllum, colocynth Hydrogogues: produce fluid motions ex. croton oil, colocynth Read less