Laxatives, purgatives, or aperients are substances that loosen stools[1] and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation.
Laxatives vary as to how they work and the side effects they may have. Certain stimulant, lubricant, and saline laxatives are used to evacuate the colon for rectal and bowel examinations, and may be supplemented by enemas under certain circumstances. Sufficiently high doses of laxatives may cause diarrhea. Some laxatives combine more than one active ingredient, and may be administered orally or rectally.
- ^ "Constipation" (PDF). www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Retrieved 3 November 2014.