| Drug Class | Stimulant laxative |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | Hydrolysed in colon to stimulate myenteric plexus, smooth muscle activity |
| Typical Dose | 7.5-15mg OD taken at bedtime. Max 30mg |
| Indications | Constipation |
| Contra-indications | Intestinal obstruction |
| Side-effects | Common: abdominal cramps/diarrhoea Rarely: hypokalaemia (prolonged use), colonic atony |
| Interactions | None |
| Elimination | |
| Additional Notes | Single dose usually produces effect in 8 hours. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance |