Classification of Laxatives
Luminally active agents
Hydrophilic colloids; bulk-forming agents (bran, psyllium, etc.)
Osmotic agents (nonabsorbable inorganic salts or sugars)
Stool-wetting agents (surfactants) and emollients (docusate, mineral
oil)
Nonspecific stimulants or irritants (with effects on fluid
secretion and motility)
Diphenylmethanes (bisacodyl)
Anthraquinones (senna and cascara)
Castor oil
Prokinetic agents (acting primarily on motility)
5-HT4 receptor agonists
Opioid receptor antagonists