Laxatives (osmotic)
- Retain water in bowel lumen
- PEG is a reliable first-line constipation drug
- Lactulose also treats hepatic encephalopathy
- Magnesium salts act quickly but affect electrolytes
- Diarrhea/bloating are common
- Avoid magnesium excess in advanced CKD
- Good partner for stimulant laxatives
Class at a glance
- Retain water in bowel lumen
Practical pearls
- Magnesium salts act quickly but affect electrolytes
Members / distinctions
- Diarrhea/bloating are common
- Good partner for stimulant laxatives
Safety / monitoring
- PEG is a reliable first-line constipation drug
- Lactulose also treats hepatic encephalopathy
- Avoid magnesium excess in advanced CKD
Self-check
- Which osmotic laxative is a reliable first-line constipation drug?
PEG. - What common adverse effects occur with osmotic laxatives?
Diarrhea and bloating.
Drugs in this class (4)
Laxatives (osmotic) prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Constipation meds (1900–2026). Osmotic laxatives highlighted from 1900.
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