• Constipation occur when stool becomes hard and difficult to pass.
• Common cause of constipation are – inadequate fluid intake, food habits, immobility, medication and endocrine or metabolic disorders etc.

Constipation drugs Classification

• Purgative (cathartics)
• Laxatives (aperient)

• Laxative drugs cause the mild action and eliminate of soft and formed stool.
• Purgative drugs cause the strong action, resulting in more fluid evacuation.

1. Bulk forming laxatives drugs

• Methylcellulose
• Dietary fibers – like – fruits, oats, etc.
• Isapghulla – 3 – 12 gm – The drug swell and softens the stool.

2. Stimulant purgatives

The drug irritate GI mucosa

↓

Increase secretion and motility of stool

↓

To promote bowel evacuation

• Bisacodil – 5 mg.
• Glycerol
• Sinna (plants leaves)
• Danthron

3. Stool softness 

• Docusate sodium – 100 – 400 mg.
• Liquid paraffin (mineral oil) 15 – 30 ml.

4. Osmotic purgatives

• Lactolose – in children = 5 – 30 ml
  • In adult = 5 – 30 ml.

Lactolus retain water in intestinal lumen

↓

Increase bulk of the stool and increase the peristalsis

↓

Evacuation of stool

Constipation drug indication

• Constipation
• Pregnancy
• Drug-induced constipation
• Bedridden patient
• Immobilized patient (paralysis patient)
• Food and drug poisoning
• Colonoscopy and radioscopy procedure
• Post-operative patient.

Constipation drug Adverse effects 

• • GI irritation, dehydration
  • Rectal burning sensation
  • Bloating, cramping, diarrhea
  • Thirst, electrolyte imbalance, etc.

Constipation drugs Key Points–

1. Antimotility drugs is a – Opioid drug
2. Most commonly used antimotility drug – Loperamide
3. Common constipation drugs is – Purgative and Laxatives.