Position paper: cathartics.
The administration of a cathartic alone has no role in the management of the poisoned patient and is not recommended as a method of gut decontamination. Experimental data are conflicting regarding the use of cathartics in combination with activated charcoal. No clinical studies have been published to investigate the ability of a cathartic, with or without activated charcoal, to reduce the bioavailability of drugs or to improve the outcome of poisoned patients. Based on available data, the routine use of a cathartic in combination with activated charcoal is not endorsed. If a cathartic is used, it should be limited to a single dose in order to minimize adverse effects of the cathartic. A review of the literature since the preparation of the 1997 Cathartics Position Statement revealed no new evidence that would require a revision of the conclusions of the Statement.
D000818:Animals; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011041:Poisoning / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013012:Sorbitol / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002400:Cathartics; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D002606:Charcoal; D019343:Citric Acid; D013012:Sorbitol; C110422:magnesium citrate