Laxatives

Laxatives are a diverse therapeutic class of gastrointestinal agents designed to promote defecation and facilitate the evacuation of stool Depending on their subclass—such as bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant, or stool-softening agents—they function primarily by increasing intraluminal water retention, mechanically expanding fecal volume, lubricating the intestinal passage, or directly stimulating colonic motor activity and mucosal fluid secretion

Laxatives are a diverse therapeutic class of gastrointestinal agents designed to promote defecation and facilitate the evacuation of stool Clinically, these agents are primarily indicated for the prevention and management of acute or chronic constipation, including opioid-induced constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, as well as for bowel preparation prior to diagnostic endoscopies, radiographic examinations, or surgical interventions

Depending on their subclass—such as bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant, or stool-softening agents—they function primarily by increasing intraluminal water retention, mechanically expanding fecal volume, lubricating the intestinal passage, or directly stimulating colonic motor activity and mucosal fluid secretion

Clinically, these agents are primarily indicated for the prevention and management of acute or chronic constipation, including opioid-induced constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, as well as for bowel preparation prior to diagnostic endoscopies, radiographic examinations, or surgical interventions