side-effects

Last reviewed 01/2018

The side-effects of laxatives include:

• in the presence of intestinal obstruction laxative use may cause perforation

• the abuse of laxatives may cause:
• melanosis coli seen on sigmoidoscopy
• colonic atony (cathartic colon) may result and cause constipation and lead to more laxative abuse
  • cathartic colon syndrome is a serious entity, involving loss of normal colonic peristalsis because of long-term habituation to stimulant laxatives. The result is a dilated, atonic colon, which is incapable of propagating faecal material, typically defined on the basis of radiologic findings (1)
    • changes arise from inflammation of the mucosa, alterations in muscular layers of the colon, and degeneration of the myenteric and Auerbach's nerve plexi caused by a direct toxic effect from the stimulant laxative

• hypersensitivity reactions - uncommon

• liquid paraffin:
• should not be used
• causes leakage of parafin around stool resulting in incontinence
• parafinomas occur in the bowel wall
• there may be leaching of fat soluble vitamins

Reference:

• Mehler PS, Rylander M. Bulimia Nervosa - medical complications. J Eat Disord. 2015 Apr 3;3:12.