Stimulant or Irritant
Stimulant laxatives act on the intestinal mucosa or nerve plexus, altering water and electrolyte secretion. They also stimulate peristaltic action and can be dangerous under certain circumstances. They are the most powerful among laxatives and should be used with care.
| Preparation(s) | Type | Site of Action | Onset of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cascara (casanthranol) | Anthraquinone | colon | 36–8 hours |
| Buckthorn | Anthraquinone | colon | 36–8 hours |
| Senna extract (senokot) | Anthraquinone | colon | 36–8 hours |
| Aloe vera (aloin) | Anthraquinone | colon | 58–10 hours |
| Phenolphthalein | Triphenylmethane | colon | 48 hours |
| Dulcolax (bisacodyl) (PO) | Triphenylmethane | colon | 66–12 hours |
| Dulcolax (bisacodyl) (suppository) | Triphenylmethane | colon | 160 minutes |
| Microlax | enema | rectum and colon | 015–60 minutes |
| Castor oil | ricinoleic acid | small intestine | 22–6 hours |
Read more about this topic: Laxative
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