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)
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