Laxative overdose
Alternate Names : Laxative abuse
Definition
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.
Symptoms & Signs
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, are most common. Dehydration and electrolyte problems are more common in children than adults. Below are symptoms specific to the actual product. Bisacodyl: Senna; Cascara sagrada: - Abdominal pain
- Bloody stools
- Collapse
- Diarrhea
Phenolphthalein: - Abdominal pain
- Collapse
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drop in blood pressure
- Low blood sugar
- Rash
Sodium phosphate: - Abdominal pain
- Collapse
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Vomiting
Magnesium-containing products: - Abdominal pain
- Collapse
- Coma
- Death
- Diarrhea (watery)
- Drop in blood pressure
- Flushing
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Muscle weakness
- Painful bowel movements
- Painful urination
- Slowed breathing
- Thirst
- Vomiting
Castor oil can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Mineral oil can cause aspiration pneumonia, a condition where vomited stomach contents are inhaled. Products containing methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polycarbophil, or psyllium may cause choking or intestinal blockage if they are not taken with plenty of fluids.
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