Laxative Preparation

**Semantic type:** Chemical Viewed Functionally

**Definition:** Synthetic compounds or mixtures administered orally or rectally with laxative activity. A laxative preparation is used to promote bowel movement to treat constipation or to clean the colon for rectal and bowel examinations. There are different types of laxatives that differ in mechanism of action and potency, including the bulk-producing agents, stool softeners, lubricants, hydrating agents, stimulants, saline laxatives and hyperosmotic agents.