View source for Cathartic

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==Overview==
In medicine, a [[cathartic]] is a substance which ''accelerates'' [[defecation]].

This is in contrast to a [[laxative]], which is a substance which ''eases'' defecation, usually by softening the [[Feces|stool]].<ref>{{MeshName|Cathartics}}</ref> It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathartic. However, agents such as [[psyllium seed husks]] increase the bulk of the stool.<ref>http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/catharsis.html</ref> 

Cathartics such as [[sorbitol]] are sometimes used in response to [[poisoning]].<ref>{{FPnotebook|ER70}}</ref>

As an adjective, [[cathartic]] means psychotherapeutic, healthful, emotionally beneficial; releasing; emotionally purging: viewing art or listening to music may be a kind of cathartic experience. 

In general cathartics are;

#causing emptying of the bowels.
#an agent that empties the bowels.
#producing emotional catharsis.
*bulk cathartic  one stimulating bowel evacuation by increasing fecal volume.
*lubricant cathartic  one that acts by softening the feces and reducing friction between them and the intestinal wall.
*saline cathartic  one that increases fluidity of intestinal contents by retention of water by osmotic forces and indirectly increases motor activity.
*stimulant cathartic  one that directly increases motor activity of the intestinal tract.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* {{Dorlands|c_15|12219134}}
* {{eMedicineDictionary|Cathartic}}




[[es:Catártica]]


[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
[[Category:Medical emergencies]]
[[Category:Emergency medicine]]

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