Stimulant overnight action laxatives
There are two main categories of stimulant laxatives which have an overnight action: plant-derived anthraquinones (natural extracts of senna, cascara, aloe, and rhubarb) and synthetic derivatives of diphenylmethane (bisacodyl and sodium picosulphate).
Plant-derived laxatives, such as senna
Plant-derived laxatives include remedies made from extracts of
senna fruit or leaves, aloe, buckthorn or rhubarb. These laxatives
have an irritant effect on the lining of the colon that stimulates
the muscles of
the colon. They also cause water to accumulate in the colon.
Plant-derived laxatives are activated by bacteria in the intestine.
It‘s believed that the resulting chemical products stimulate the cells of
the intestinal wall and allow water to penetrate the intestine
so triggering elimination. The active ingredients in these laxatives
are known as anthraquinones.
In most commercial preparations, the amount of this active ingredient
is standardised. These laxatives are made from plants and are
not synthetic.
Synthetic Stimulant Laxatives
These laxatives stimulate the muscles of the colon. Recent studies
show that laxatives containing Bisacodyl, such as Dulcolax®, promote intestinal
function by stimulating the muscles of the colon. Sodium Picosulphate,
the active ingredient in Dulcolax® Perles, has a similar effect. As a
result the natural movement of the colon is supported and started
again, and because the water content of the stool is also enhanced,
the stool is easier
to pass.
Dulcolax® Tablets are comfort-coated so their active ingredient, bisacodyl, is released only in the colon, where it stimulates the colon's muscles to relieve constipation. Dulcolax® Perles (Sodium Picosulphate) are activated by the colon's natural bacteria. The active ingredients in all Dulcolax® laxatives are effective without having to be absorbed into the blood stream.
|
