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Effects of Drugs on the Colon


Folklore and society have maintained the philosophy that regular bowel movements are essential to health. Consequently people have attempted to maintain bowel regularity and to experience a “good” bowel movement by using laxatives and drugs that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly the colon ( Fig. 86.1 and Box 86.1 ).

Fig. 86.1
Effects of Drugs on the Large Intestine.

Box 86.1
Cathartic/Stimulant/Laxative Drug Categories

Bulk Agents

  • Bran (wheat fiber): retains water

  • Psyllium (ispaghula): nurtures and increases size of microflora

  • Guarana

  • Sterculia

  • Methylcellulose (inert chemical)

Nonabsorbed Sugars

  • Lactulose (osmotic; nurtures flora)

  • Lactitol (osmotic)

Salts (Extract Water)

  • Magnesium citrate

  • Magnesium hydroxide (Mg[OH] 2 )

  • Sulfate (SO 4 )

  • Sodium sulfate (NaSO 4 )

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