title: [Laxatives and roughage].
abstract: The mode of action, indications and contraindications of laxatives and bulkage are presented. There are only a few indications for the use of laxatives, centering mainly on bowel preparation for diagnostic and operative purposes. Frequent abuse of laxatives is observed in chronic constipation, a disease which should be treated by a high roughage diet and bulkage, preferably with bran.
mesh_terms: D002368:Castor Oil / Q000494:pharmacology; D002400:Cathartics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003248:Constipation / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004733:Enema; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D013638:Tars / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013638:Tars; D002368:Castor Oil
vernacular_title: Laxantien und Quellmittel.