Classification of laxatives (Essay Sample)

Student Name Institution Affiliation Course Code Instructor Date Laxatives entails a group of drugs that manipulate fecal passage by increasing or decreasing consistency. They are primarily use for treating constipation in addition to other mechanism that influence such as osmotic and hydrophilic situation by altering fluid enhancement. Laxatives work by declining fluid absorption effect on fluid transport and change in motility inhibitors of non-propulsive inhibitors. Laxatives are categorized into osmotic, surfactant, stimulant and bulk. They perform functions differently on the basis of considerable overlap depending on the particular group it occupies. The four categories have different laxative activity with corresponding level of adverse effects on its functionality. Osmotic laxatives for instance, serves to be stronger and especially the stimulants laxatives. Surfactant also known as stool softeners acts as safe drugs producing less effects but serves as potentiating agent for serious problems. Most of the laxatives are recommended for use but not long period and relieving gastrointestinal symptoms because of the related adverse effects experienced. Patients using laxatives have to be cautious on the use of laxatives and should consider the stipulated time period and on the contrary results requires physician consultation for other prescriptions. Constipation is an etiological symptom related to many factors that is characterized by inconsistent intestinal transit, eating disorder or problem with metabolism. Bulk laxatives increase the hydration content of the stool and expansion of stool thus stimulates receptors in the colon promoting peristalsis process (Anton et al., 2017). For example, methylcellulose draws water into colon; help in fluid intake important in elimination obstruction of intestines. Osmotic laxatives are helpful in decreasing fluid absorption form large and small intestines dealing with fluid regulation for softening of fecal matter. For example, magnesium salts taken regulates body fluids. Lubricants are form of laxatives that serves as a barrier surrounding the fecal matter and the walls of colon for instance liquid paraffin. Intestinal transit utilizes fluid and its softness is maintained by keeping fluid intact within the fecal matter for ease passage. Defecation is a process that is essential for every human life and lubricants serves as the useful factor for hard relieve. Stimulant laxatives stimulate nerve mobility by increasing gut motility which entails both colon and sensory nerves. Intestinal nerves respond to the immediate environment on what factors are present at a particular situation such as presence of senna laxatives. Stimulant are used for treating prolonged resting related constipation or poor eating habits of an individual under normal circumstance or medication. Patients with ill terminal utilizes dantron laxatives in presence of carcinogenic effects. Metabolism processes occurs in liver excreting urine and fecal matter which are minimally absorbed by stimulant laxatives and stimulates lactulose necessary for bacterial function in the colon gorming acetic and lactic acid. Potential hydrogen in fecal matter is regulated by stimulant laxatives and saline compoun...