Toxicity of commonly used laxatives

Laxatives have a particularly marked abuse potential. Since they are available without prescription, physicians have no influence whatsoever on frequency of intake and dosage. The stimulant laxatives are preferentially abused since they are particularly cheap and the nature of their effect makes them appear suitable to users for non-intended purposes; advertising sometimes reinforces such impressions. Stimulants of plant and chemical origin can certainly be regarded as aggressive chemical substances that are pharmacologically active. Available data suggest that it would be advisable to bring the use of these substances under medical supervision since their widespread abuse and the associated risks can only be substantially reduced by such action. This review summarises toxicological data of stimulant laxatives and other freely available but more safe compounds such as lactulose.