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: 10/1/2009
Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Malagelada JR, Malagelada C. Nausea and vomiting. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 8.

Sackeyfio AH, Gottlieb SJ. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 291.

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