Medscetera

LAXATIVES Laxatives are a class of drugs used in the treatment of Constipation. Laxatives and Purgatives are known as Cathartics as they are known to cause Catharsis. Catharsis is the evacuation of the bowel and is usually done before the diagnostic procedures or surgeries of the bowel. Constipation is the functional impairment in the inherent capacity of the colon to produce normal stools at regular intervals. It is usually associated with difficulty in emptying the bowels and hard faeces.  Causes: Constipation is mainly caused due to decrease in colonic motility due to - ageing, emotions, low bulk diet, low liquid intake, spastic colon, chronic amoebiasis, or due to drugs. The drugs that cause this effect are Diuretics, anti-diarrhoeal, Anticholinergics, MAOI (Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitors), Opioids, Tricyclic anti-depressants, Analgesics, and Antacids. Laxatives are further classified into -  Bulk-forming agents -  This includes - Dietary fibre bran, Psyllium (Plantag...

Basic Drug Information of some of the commonly used drugs.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y0YUrJMC9WIccD5VEzR9RCX9sySLLv4s/view?usp=drivesdk

•Brand names - Crocin, Dolo, Calpol, Parasafe, Tylenol, Panadol, Paraglass •Class - NSAID •Uses - Analgesic & Antipyretic  (reduces pain and fever) •Commonly used doses - 325mg, 500mg, 650mg, 1 gram •Frequency - every 6th hourly  •Toxic dose - not to exceed 4 grams/ day  Dose modifications done in -  • Children     • Individuals with severe renal impairment  • Individuals with hepatic impairment / active liver disease (Since it is metabolized in liver, the risk of toxicity is more in individuals with impaired hepatic function. If it cannot be avoided in individuals with hepatic impairment, limit the therapy to short term use with dose not exceeding 2 grams/ day)  • Pregnancy and lactation - lowest possible dose for shortest possible duration  Mechanism of Action  -  •PCM has a central analgesic effect ( mediated through activation of descending serotonergic pathways) and raises pain threshold, thereby reducing pain. •But it...