Page 101 - COMMUNITY PHARMACY PRACTICE

02/04/2024

206

Emollient laxatives (Stool softeners)

Mechanism of onset of action: Examples &
action • Slow (12-72hrs) marketed
• Best for patients products
• Surfactants…so
allowing who must avoid • Docusate sodium
absorption of straining to pass (AOT) (Minalax ®
water into the hard stools as tablets , with
stool, which those who bisacodyl…..not in
makes the recently have a pregnancy)
softened stool myocardial
easier to pass. infarction or • New products
rectal surgery …Docusate only

• Doc Ca ..

206

207

Emollient laxatives (Stool softeners)…..

Adverse effects & Imp Patient
contraindications couseling

• Diarrhea & mild • patients who must avoid
abdominal cramping straining to pass hard stools
as those who recently have a
• Smaller doses for myocardial infarction or rectal
children<6yrs surgery

• Not with mineral oil • Good for pregnant (cat C)
(granulomatosis)or low • Each dose must be taken
therapeutic index drugs
(facilitate absorption) with at least 1 cup of water to
prevent throat irritation) .

• Liquid preparations should be
taken in fruit juice to increase
palatability

• Do not use this product for
more than 1 week unless
directed by your doctor
(dependence)(medscape).

207

103