side-effects
Last reviewed 01/2018
The side-effects of laxatives include:
- in the presence of intestinal obstruction laxative use may cause perforation
- the abuse of laxatives may cause:
- melanosis coli seen on sigmoidoscopy
- colonic atony (cathartic colon) may result and cause constipation and
lead to more laxative abuse
- cathartic colon syndrome is a serious entity, involving loss of normal
colonic peristalsis because of long-term habituation to stimulant laxatives.
The result is a dilated, atonic colon, which is incapable of propagating
faecal material, typically defined on the basis of radiologic findings
(1)
- changes arise from inflammation of the mucosa, alterations in muscular layers of the colon, and degeneration of the myenteric and Auerbach's nerve plexi caused by a direct toxic effect from the stimulant laxative
- cathartic colon syndrome is a serious entity, involving loss of normal
colonic peristalsis because of long-term habituation to stimulant laxatives.
The result is a dilated, atonic colon, which is incapable of propagating
faecal material, typically defined on the basis of radiologic findings
(1)
- hypersensitivity reactions - uncommon
- liquid paraffin:
- should not be used
- causes leakage of parafin around stool resulting in incontinence
- parafinomas occur in the bowel wall
- there may be leaching of fat soluble vitamins
Reference: