Emollient Purgatives

• Commonly known as “stool softeners”,

act without being changed and simply aid expulsion by softening(docusate) and lubricating(liquid paraffin).

• one that promotes softening of the stool and facilitates passage of the feces through the intestines by its lubricant effect.

STOOL SOFTENER: Docusates

LUBRICANTS: Mineral oil

(Liquid Paraffin)

Docusate

• Common docusate salt is:

-dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate

Cont.

• Mechanism of Action:

-They are anionic detergents.

-They lower the surface tension of the stool

-Hence, cause the accumulation of fluid and fatty substance and thus soften the stools.

Cont.

• These agents act within 1-3 days

• Route of Administration:

-orally OR as a retention enema

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Liquid Paraffin

• It is a mineral oil

• Mechanism of Action:- Penetrates and soften the stool in 2-3 days.- Also has lubricant effect, and thus helps in smooth defaecation.

• Route of Administration: -orally

**Preferred laxative in patients with cardiac disease, because it prevent straining during defaecation.

Cont.

• Disadvantages:

a) very unpleasant to swallow because of oily consistency.

b) While swallowing, it may trickle into lungs causing lipid pneumonia.

c) Carries away fat soluble vitamins with it into the stools; deficiency may occur on chronic use.

d) Leakage of the oil pass anal sphincter may embarrass.

e) May interfere with healing in the anorectal region.

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Docusates and liquid paraffin should not be combined as it increases the absorption of liquid paraffin.

Conclusion

• Emollient purgatives are both stool softener and lubricants.

• Division:

– Docusates

– Liquid paraffin

Reference

• Pharmacology Prep Manual for Undergraduates, Elsevier, Tara V Shanbhag.

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