Andrey Nailor, M.D.·Published 29 March 2005·2 min read
Key points
Home Treatment DO NOT induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician.
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.
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.
See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.
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:
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
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health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Aspiration pneumonia (vomited stomach contents are inhaled)
Methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polycarbophil, or psyllium:
Choking (if taken with insufficient fluids)
Intestinal obstruction (if taken with insufficient fluids)
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.
Definition Multiple vitamin overdose is poisoning from swallowing more than the recommended amount of multiple vitamins. Poisonous Ingredient Any ingredient in a multiple vitamin supplement can be toxic in large…
