Hospital Virtual Tour

Laxative overdose - Overview

Alternative Names

Laxative abuse

Definition of Laxative overdose:

A laxative is a medication used to produce bowel movements. Laxative overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

Most laxative overdoses in children are accidental. However, some people abuse laxatives by regularly taking overdoses in an effort to lose weight.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient:

Bisacodyl
Carboxymethylcellulose
Cascara sagrada
Casanthranol
Castor oil
Dehydrocholic acid
Docusate
Glycerin
Lactulose
Magnesium citrate
Magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium oxide
Magnesium sulfate
Malt soup extract
Methylcellulose
Milk of magnesia
Mineral oil
Phenolphthalein
Poloxamer 188
Polycarbophil
Potassium bitartrate and sodium bicarbonate
Psyllium
Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid
Senna
Sennosides
Sodium phosphate

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Where Found:

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
Cascara sagrada
Castor oil
Docusate (Colace)
Docusate and phenolphthalein (Correctol)
Glycerin suppositories
Lactulose (Duphalac)
Magnesium citrate
Malt soup extract (Maltsupex)
Methylcellulose
Milk of magnesia
Mineral oil
Phenolphthalein (Ex Lax)
Psyllium
Senna

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Reviewed last on: 2/3/2009
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/29/2007).

References

Ford MD, et al. Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001:332-333.

Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2002:149.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)