danthron containing laxatives

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • danthron is a stimulant laxative
  • it is marketed as co-danthrusate (when combined with docusate) and co-danthramer (when combined with poloxamer '188')
  • danthron is genotoxic and has been shown to be carcinogenic in rodent studies
  • the Committee on Safety on Medicines (CSM) has advised that the use of danthron-containing products be restricted to constipation in the terminally ill patients of all ages

Reference:

  • Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance (2000), 26, 4.