Laxative overdose
Definition
Laxative poisoning is an overdose of a laxative.
Poisonous Ingredient
- Bisacodyl
- Carboxymethylcellulose
- Cascara sagrada
- Casanthranol
- Castor oil
- Dehydrocholic acid
- Docusate
- Glycerin
- Lactulose
- Magnesium citrate
- Magnesium hydroxide
- Magnesium oxide
- Magnesium sulfate
- Malt soup extract
- Methylcellulose
- Milk of magnesia
- Mineral oil
- Phenolphthalein
- Poloxamer 188
- Polycarbophil
- Potassium bitartrate and sodium bicarbonate
- Psyllium
- Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid
- Senna
- Sennosides
- Sodium phosphate
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Where Found
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
- Cascara sagrada
- Castor oil
- Docusate (Colace)
- Docusate and phenolphthalein (Correctol)
- Glycerin suppositories
- Lactulose (Duphalac)
- Magnesium citrate
- Malt soup extract (Maltsupex)
- Methylcellulose
- Milk of magnesia
- Mineral oil
- Phenolphthalein (Ex Lax)
- Psyllium
- Senna
Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.
Symptoms
Bisacodyl:
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
Senna , cascara sagrada:
Castor oil:
Phenolphthalein:
Sodium phosphate:
- Pain
- Collapse
- Muscle weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Magnesium-containing products:
- Collapse
-
Painful urination
- Flushing
- Thirst
-
Coma
- Muscle weakness
- Slow respirations
- GI irritation
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Painful bowel movements
- Diarrhea (watery)
- Drop in blood pressure
- Death
Mineral oil:
- Aspiration pneumonia (vomited stomach contents are inhaled)
Methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polycarbophil, or psyllium:
Home Treatment
DO NOT induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
- When it was swallowed
- The amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
Call Poison Control or your local emergency number -- they will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. If possible, take the container with you to the emergency room.
What to expect at the emergency room
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
- Administering activated charcoal
- Monitoring vital signs ( blood pressure, pulse)
- Monitoring EKG (monitors heart function)
- Blood samples drawn to determine serum electrolyte levels
- Administering fluids and electrolytes through an IV
Expectations (prognosis)
The patient's outcome will depend on such factors as the type of laxative swallowed, how much was swallowed, and how much time passed before treatment was rendered.
Serious symptoms are most likely in patients who repeatedly use large amounts of laxatives for weight loss purposes. One-time exposures are rarely serious.
Update Date: 2/9/2004
Updated by: Cherlin Johnson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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