Cathartic

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For other uses, see catharsis (disambiguation)

In medicine, a cathartic is a substance which accelerates defecation.

This is in contrast to a laxative, which is a substance which eases defecation, usually by softening the stool.[1] It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathartic. However, agents such as psyllium seed husks increase the bulk of the stool.[2]

Cathartics such as sorbitol are sometimes used in response to poisoning.[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ MeSH Cathartics
  2. ^ http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/catharsis.html
  3. ^ FPnotebook ER70

[edit] External links

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