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Evaluation of the laxative effect of some commonly used laxative substances: with particular reference to dosage

The American Journal of Digestive Diseases volume 11, pages 284–289 (1944)Cite this article

Summary

Habitual constipation is a common disorder, which, some opinion to the contrary notwithstanding, frequently requires laxative drugs for its most satisfactory treatment.

The effects of some of the most commonly used laxatives are compared.

The U. S. P. dose of phenolphthalein (0.06 Gm.) or of aromatic fluidextract of cascara sagrada (2 cc.) is ineffective. 0.20 Gm. of phenolphthalein and 4 cc. of aromatic flu:dextract of cascara sagrada are the optimal doses.

The aged and children require larger doses of phenolphthalein than the average adult.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Internal Medicine of the University of Illinois College of Medicine and from the Department of Therapeutics, Gastro-Intestinal Clinic of the Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois

    H. A. McGuigan, F. Steigmann, J. M. Dyniewicz & CHICAGO, Illinois

Authors
  1. H. A. McGuigan
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  2. F. Steigmann
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  3. J. M. Dyniewicz
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  4. CHICAGO, Illinois
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Additional information

Aided by a grant from Phenolphthalein Research, Inc.

This study was started under the direction of the late Dr. B. Fantus. The Misses H. Dyniewicz, Ph.C., E. Redding, R.N., E. Carlson co-operated in these investigations.

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McGuigan, H.A., Steigmann, F., Dyniewicz, J.M. et al. Evaluation of the laxative effect of some commonly used laxative substances: with particular reference to dosage. Jour. D. D. 11, 284–289 (1944). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02998057

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02998057

Keywords

  • Constipation
  • Bran
  • Phenolphthalein
  • Bile Flow
  • Laxative Effect