title: Use of laxatives in clinical medicine.
abstract: This presentation discusses the use of laxatives in clinical medicine. As laxatives are used frequently in patients with constipation, the causes of constipation are reviewed including endocrine, colonic, neurogenic and drug-induced etiologies. Laxatives are also used to eliminate fecal material prior to diagnostic studies. The problem of laxative abuse is also emphasized.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
authors: H J
authors: HJ
authors: Binder
mesh_terms: D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics