Laxative overdose

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Laxative overdose

Alternative Names:

Laxative abuse
Symptoms:

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, are most common. Dehydration and electrolyteproblems are more common in children than adults. Below are symptoms specific to the actual product.

Bisacodyl:

Electrolyte imbalance
Cramps
Diarrhea

Senna; Cascara sagrada:

Abdominal pain
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Diarrhea
Bloody stool

Phenolphthalein:

Abdominal pain
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Low blood sugar
Dizziness
Rash
Diarrhea
Drop in blood pressure

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Sodium phosphate:

Abdominal pain
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Muscle weakness
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Magnesium-containing products:

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Painful urination
Flushing
Thirst
Coma
Muscle weakness
Slow respirations
Gastrointestinalirritation
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Painful bowel movements
Diarrhea (watery)
Drop in blood pressure
Death

Castor oil can cause gastrointestinalirritation.

Mineral oil can cause aspiration pneumonia, a condition where vomited stomach contents are inhaled.

Methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polycarbophil, or psyllium may cause choking or intestinal obstruction if taken with insufficient fluids.

References:

Ford MD,Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001: 332-333.

Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran?s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2002:149.