PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “CATHARTICS”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

[Cathartic effects in autogenic training and its therapeutic benefit].

During the solar plexus exercises within the AT certain spontaneous sexual excitement or orgasm can take place. These kathartisch effects discovered for the first time by Wallnöfer and Luthe can be used legitimately for the treatment of anorgasmie. The combination of the autogen treatment together with open discussion between patient and doctor and thereby the revealing of the unknown seat of the problem can be of definite importance to the therapeutic success. Should the patient be of a hysterical nature, this treatment should not be used.

Abreaction↗

Gastric emptying. Risk versus benefit in the treatment of acute poisoning.

This review examines the various clinical options used to elicit gastric emptying, viz. drug-induced emesis, mechanical pharyngeal stimulation, gastric lavage, and catharsis. Apomorphine and syrup of ipecac are the 2 drugs most frequently used for induction of emesis. Both agents act centrally and, in addition, syrup of ipecac has a peripheral action. Toxins ingested or foods previously eaten may inhibit or enhance emetic action by interfering with mediating and conducting mechanisms. Studies indicate that both syrup of ipecac and apomorphine are similarly effective in inducing emesis; however, apomorphine has a shorter reaction time compared with syrup of ipecac. There are more risks involved with the use of apomorphine, since it causes central nervous system and respiratory depression. Syrup of ipecac has been shown to be relatively safe when used in its recommended dosage for emesis. However, several toxicities have been reported with the use of the fluid extract of ipecac. Emesis is contraindicated in patients who are obtunded or comatose, and in patients who have ingested stimulants, some hydrocarbons, or corrosives. Mechanical pharyngeal stimulation is a simple method of inducing emesis; however, it is often unsuccessful and rarely recovers a significant portion of the gastric contents. Gastric lavage is a procedure which has been relied upon for over a century. Its effectiveness is dependent on the nature, form, and dosage of the poison, latency between time of ingestion and lavage, and technique. In clinical experiments studying gastric lavage, it has been noted that the procedure is most beneficial 1 to 2 hours postingestion for the majority of poison ingestions. Lavage also provides an excellent route for activated charcoal and selected antidotes. Gastric lavage may pose several risks to the patient, including obstruction and contamination of the airways and oesophageal damage. Contraindications for gastric lavage are similar to those for emesis except that it may be safer to use in obtunded, comatose, or uncooperative patients. Cathartics used during initial poisoning therapy are usually the saline cathartics. They elicit an osmotic reaction in the small intestine which results in increased intraluminal fluid bulk, hyperperistalsis, and subsequent propulsion of contents. Cathartics have also been shown to stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin, which is thought to have similar effects on the intestine. Cathartics have not been shown to significantly enhance drug elimination from the gastrointestinal tract.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Cathartics↗

Primary encopresis: evaluation and treatment.

Cathartic and behavioral treatment procedures for eliminating diurnal and nocturnal primary encopresis were investigated using a multiple-baseline design across four children. The dependent and independent variables measured were appropriate bowel movements, soiling accidents, independent toiletings, and cathartic use. Over 177 reliability observations (home visits) were conducted. For two of the children, treatment with cathartics and child-time remedied their soiling accidents and increased their independent toiletings in 8 to 11 weeks. While the cathartics and child-time increased the rate of appropriate bowel movements, they did not eliminate the soiling accidents with the other two children. Independent toiletings for these two children were achieved after 32 to 39 weeks of treatment when punishment procedures (positive practice, time-out, and hourly toilet sits) were incorporated and the suppositories were faded systematically.

Behavior Therapy↗

Influence of prokinetics on the gastrointestinal transit and residence times of activated charcoal.

OBJECTIVE: To find the effects of prokinetics, saline cathartics and different charcoal doses on the gastrointestinal transit and residence times of activated charcoal (AC). SETTING: Five undergraduate volunteers of College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria, were studied. METHODS: After an overnight fast, the volunteers were given 10 g and 20 g AC with and without saline cathartics, in a simple cross-over design in which the subjects served as their own control. In another experiment, the volunteers received 10 g AC and magnesium sulphate, with propantheline (as bromide 15 mg), metoclopramide (as hydrochloride 10 mg), placebo liquid or identical placebo capsule. Gastrointestinal transit and residence times of AC were recorded. RESULTS: Increase in the dose of AC significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the transit, but not the residence time of AC. Addition of saline cathartics (Na2SO4 and MgSO4) decreased both the transit and residence times of AC significantly (P < 0.05). Also, administration of propantheline, but not metoclopramide, produced a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in both the transit and residence times of AC. The transit and residence times were statistically (P < 0.05) different in both the magnesium sulphate group, as well as in the placebo liquid and placebo capsule groups. CONCLUSION: Cathartic efficiency is enhanced by alteration of gastrointestinal motility with propantheline.

Adult↗

Zinc supplementation in oral rehydration solutions: experimental assessment and mechanisms of action.

BACKGROUND: Zinc deficiency is associated with chronic diarrhea. This condition is generally linked to an overproduction of nitric oxide (NO), which induces secretion and cellular damage as a free radical. Use of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) is an important part of diarrhea treatment, especially early in infancy and for patients with cholera. The presence of zinc in an ORS could be a positive factor in recovery from diarrheal disease. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether zinc added to an ORS could regulate the synthesis of NO metabolites in the lumen of zinc deficient rat intestine, acting as a gastrointestinal protector and thus accelerating normalization of intestinal function and zinc status. METHODS: The effects of zinc on NO metabolism were studied in young male rats fed a zinc deficient diet for three weeks to mimic the condition of patients with recurrent diarrheal episodes. During the fourth week of the zinc deficient feedings, experimental diarrhea was induced using cathartics (magnesium citrate plus phenolphthalein) that exacerbate NO production. A standard ORS with or without 1 mM zinc was given to the rats for the last two days. A control group received a zinc sufficient diet. Rats were killed at each stage. Intestinal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was assayed, cecal fluid contents were analyzed for nitrates and nitrites, intestinal histology was examined, and activation of nuclear factor NF-kappaB DNA binding activity was determined. RESULTS: Rats fed the zinc-deficient diet for three weeks gained less weight than rats fed a normal zinc content diet and had a lower plasma zinc than controls (51.6 +/- 5.4 [n = 101 vs. 143.6 +/- 7.2 microg/dL [n = 11], p < 0.05). Recovery with ORS+Zn resulted in a higher plasma zinc than with the ORS-Zn (ORS+Zn: 186.5 +/- 12.2; ORS-Zn: 57.5 +/- 6.6 microg/dL, p < 0.05). The zinc-deficient diet did not alter mucosal NOS, as compared to the values of rats fed a normal diet. However, those animals which received five days of cathartic fluids had a small intestinal NOS higher than that of all other groups. Either ORS+Zn or ORS-Zn normalized NOS activity, regardless of cathartic treatment. The rats fed the zinc deficient diet had generally a higher content of NO metabolites in the cecum than rats fed a normal diet. After recovery with either type of ORS, rats given the cathartic remained with higher cecal NO metabolite concentrations than rats that had no induced diarrhea. After recovery with ORS+Zn, intestinal villi showed significant expansion of the lamina propria, an indication of greater absorption of fluid, while with ORS-Zn this was not present. Small intestinal homogenates of rats recovering with ORS+Zn had a decreased NF-kappaB DNA binding activity than tissues from rats consuming ORS-Zn. CONCLUSIONS: The results are consistent with the hypothesis that addition of Zn to an ORS may contribute to improving the physiologic status of the small intestine and potentially reduce the risks of recurrent diarrhea episodes.

Animals↗

Change of suicidal ideation induced by suicide attempt.

Some studies have reported that a suicide attempt has a cathartic effect. We studied a change of suicidal ideation just before and after a suicide attempt to test whether a cathartic effect exists and, if a cathartic effect does exist, to identify factors that may affect it. Subjects consisted of 88 suicide attempters (29 males, 59 females, mean age=35.5 years) who attended the emergency medical center of Kobe City General Hospital, Kobe, Japan. Strength of suicidal ideation just before and after a suicide attempt was evaluated by 11 steps from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no suicidal ideation and 10 indicates the strongest suicidal ideation. Subjects were also interviewed about any clinical backgrounds related to suicide attempts. Diagnoses were made by psychiatrists based on ICD-10. Scores of suicidal ideation decreased significantly after the suicide attempt in comparison with those just before the suicide attempt (P<0.0001). In suicide attempters of each generation under 60 years of age, there were significant decreases in scores of suicidal ideation after the suicide attempt, but not in those of over 60 years of age. Scores of suicidal ideation after the suicide attempt were significantly higher in the group of F4 classified by ICD-10 than that of F2. Our results indicate that the cathartic effect induced by suicide attempt is different among generations and psychiatric disorders.

Adolescent↗

Misadventures with activated charcoal and recommendations for safe use.

OBJECTIVE: To review published reports of adverse effects associated with single- and multiple-dose activated charcoal therapy, and to formulate recommendations for safe use of activated charcoal therapy. DATA SOURCES: A manual search of Index Medicus from 1970 to December 1993 was conducted for English language articles; bibliographies of the resultant articles were also scanned. STUDY SELECTION: Cases were included if they were described in full detail, resulted in significant morbidity or mortality, and uniquely contributed to the formulation of recommendations for safe use of activated charcoal therapy. DATA SYNTHESIS: The major causes of morbidity and mortality secondary to activated charcoal therapy are aspiration of charcoal, gastrointestinal obstruction, and fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. Aspirations have occurred as a result of a number of circumstances that may be avoided. These include use in patients with unprotected airways, use of excessive charcoal dose, administration of inappropriately diluted charcoal, and administration of charcoal in the field. Gastrointestinal obstruction has occurred when multiple doses of activated charcoal have been administered without a cathartic and in cases in which a cathartic was administered if the patient had impaired peristalsis. Fluid and electrolyte abnormalities have occurred secondary to excessive cathartic administration. CONCLUSIONS: Activated charcoal therapy should be used judiciously so that related morbidity and mortality can be prevented. Adequate consideration for the patient's airway protection capability is necessary. Judicious dosing of charcoal and concomitant cathartic therapy, along with adequate monitoring of fluid and electrolyte status, abdominal physical assessment, and clinical condition are all vital to the safe use of activated charcoal therapy.

Charcoal↗

Catharsis reconsidered.

Mainstream psychiatry and psychotherapy have held for many years that cathartic psychotherapies involving powerful emotional expression have limited value. The conventional wisdom is that they are either dangerous, or ineffective, or that their effectiveness is short-lived. This paper reviews the origins of this conventional wisdom and makes two findings. Firstly, that there is remarkably little serious research into cathartic psychotherapies, but what there is tends to support catharsis. Secondly, that the periods in the last 200 years when cathartic methods have fallen into disrepute have often coincided with threatened or actual scandals involving prominent practitioners of cathartic psychotherapy. Four models of catharsis are described; the "Hydraulic", the "Pavlovian", the "Cathexis", and the "Holographic". The discussion suggests situations in which catharsis would be likely to prove useful, and indicates potential risks.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Hypermagnesemia associated with catharsis in a salicylate-intoxicated patient with anorexia nervosa.

While clinicians have raised concerns about giving multiple doses of a cathartic as a part of therapy for acute poisoning, fears of excessive magnesium absorption or fluid or electrolyte imbalances have been largely unrealized. We present the case of a 19-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa and long-term laxative abuse who, despite a normal baseline serum magnesium concentration, developed hypermagnesemia during treatment with multiple doses of activated charcoal-magnesium citrate for acute salicylate intoxication. The peak serum magnesium concentration, after two doses of magnesium citrate, reached 9.8 mg/dL (4.0 mmol/L). It fell to normal levels when sorbitol was substituted as a cathartic and after the patient had been hemodialyzed for symptoms of salicylate toxicity that continued despite conventional therapy. While disordered magnesium metabolism in one patient with a severe underlying medical condition should not interdict the use of repetitive doses of magnesium citrate as a cathartic, patients requiring such therapy should have serum magnesium concentrations measured serially to monitor for signs of magnesium loading.

Adult↗

Enhancement of absorption by gum arabic in a model of gastrointestinal dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: Diarrhea is a common and deadly threat to millions of infants and children. Similarly, malabsorption can aggravate the health status of the chronically sick and especially the elderly. Prompt recovery from intestinal dysfunction may have a substantial impact on many populations. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that, in an animal model of cathartic-induce diarrhea, the previously shown proabsorptive effects of gum arabic (GA) could directly reduce and ameliorate intestinal dysfunction. METHODS: Young male rats were offered a standard solid feed and as a sole source of fluid a phenolphthalein-magnesium citrate solution for 3 or 6 days (PC), or the same plus either 10 (GA1) or 20 (GA2) g/L of GA. Other groups had tap water without (CTL) or with 20 g/L GA (CTL + GA), after which the animals were jejunally perfused under anesthesia to test their absorptive capacity. Similarly treated rats were killed and the small intestinal mucosa scraped and processed for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) determination. RESULTS: In 6-day studies addition of GA to the cathartic solution led to increases in net water, sodium and glucose absorption with the higher GA2, relatively to the PC rats. For water (means +/- SEM): PC = 42.4 +/- 3.6; GA2 = 57.9 +/- 3.9 nmol/g.min, p < 0.05. For sodium: PC = 2,139 +/- 334; GA2 = 4,465 +/- 444 nmol/g.min, p < 0.05. After only 3-day exposure, effects were less marked. Total NOS activity was increased in the PC, GA1 and GA2 groups (333 +/- 26; 334 +/- 27; 336 +/- 23 nmol/h.g) compared to CTL (233 +/- 27 nmol/h.g, p < 0.05), while CTL + GA showed a further reduction of activity (190 +/- 18 nmol/h.g, p < 0.05 vs. CTL). CONCLUSIONS: These findings substantiate earlier physiologic and biochemical effects of GA on the gastrointestinal tract, presently conducted in a model of gastrointestinal dysfunction. The data further suggest that a natural proteoglycan such as GA can reduce secretory effects induced by cathartics and, hence, are predictive of potential effectiveness in the context of diarrhea or malabsorption by infectious or functional causes.

Animals↗

The effect of sennosides on bacterial translocation and survival in a model of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

Bacterial translocation leading to subsequent infectious complications is a significant determinant of outcome in acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis (AHP). The colonic ileus and impaired intestinal barrier function that often accompany AHP may predispose to translocation. Sennoside is a naturally occurring cathartic and choleretic agent that stimulates intestinal mucous secretion and has potent promotility effects. The impact of sennoside-induced intestinal motility and secretory function on bacterial translocation and survival was studied in a rat model of AHP. Severe acute pancreatitis was induced in rats by the intraductal infusion of 2% sodium deoxycholate (DCA, 0.4 ml/kg). A group of sham-operated rats (group A) received intraductal saline, whereas experimental animals were subsequently administered distilled water (group B) or sennoside solution (group C) by gavage every 8 h. After 48 h, intestinal transit of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran, serum endotoxin, and amylase levels, and bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and pancreatic tissue were determined. The pancreas and intestine were sampled for histologic study. All group A animals survived and did not develop pancreatitis or endotoxemia, whereas groups B and C all demonstrated severe hemorrhagic pancreatitis with evidence of necrosis. Mortality at 48 h was 55% in group B versus 12.5% in group C. Inhibition of intestinal motility was noted in 40% versus 20%, and endotoxin levels were 61.36+/-28.26 pg/L versus 5.41+/-3.58 pg/L in group B versus group C rats, respectively (p<0.001). Pancreatic tissue and MLN cultures were positive in 100% of group B survivors versus 14% of group C survivors (p<0.05). Histologic examination of the intestine in group C animals showed increased mucous secretion, proliferation of goblet cells, and evidence of rapid turnover/renewal of enterocytes. Treatment with the cathartic agent, sennoside, reduced translocation of endotoxin and bacteria, restored intestinal motility, increased mucous secretion, and reduced mortality in a model of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis in the rat. Other cathartics may have similar properties and may be useful in preventing infectious complications in acute pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗

Effects of magnesium citrate and clidinium bromide on the excretion of activated charcoal in normal subjects.

The efficacy of cathartics in shortening the gastrointestinal transit time of activate charcoal (AC) in the presence of drugs that alter gastrointestinal motility has not been determined. We evaluated the effects of magnesium citrate (MC) on the excretion of activated charcoal in healthy volunteers alone and with concurrent administration of the anticholinergic drug clidinium bromide. Forty subjects were randomized to clidinium bromide 5 mg or placebo capsule (PC), followed by activated charcoal 15 g and magnesium citrate or a placebo liquid (PL). The onset and duration of excretion of activated charcoal were noted. Mean onset times for activated charcoal were: group I (CB, MC) 4.5 +/- 2.1 h; group II (CB, PL) 17.0 +/- 10.0 h; group III (PC, MC) 6.3 +/- 5.8 h; and group IV (PC, PL) 20.6 +/- 8.4 h. The onset of excretion of activated charcoal was statistically different in both magnesium citrate groups as compared with the placebo liquid groups. The duration of activated charcoal in the stool was similar among the groups. The addition of clidinium bromide did not appear to affect gastrointestinal transit time. These results support previous studies of the effects of cathartics on the excretion of activated charcoal, and suggest that cathartic efficacy is not inhibited by anticholinergic drugs when used in therapeutic doses.

Adult↗

Magnesium intoxication in a neonate from oral magnesium hydroxide laxative.

This is a case of magnesium intoxication in a neonate produced by an oral magnesium cathartic. A review of the literature revealed there are very few cases that have been reported of magnesium toxicity due to cathartics. There is no recommended dose for magnesium cathartics in neonates or data on their safety. A review of the management of magnesium intoxication is presented.

Administration, Oral↗

Magnesium oxide induced metabolic alkalosis in cattle.

A study was designed to compare the metabolic alkalosis produced in cattle from the use of an antacid (magnesium oxide) and a saline cathartic (magnesium sulphate). Six, mature, normal cattle were treated orally with a magnesium oxide (MgO) product and one week later given a comparable cathartic dose of magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)). The mean percent dry matter content of the cattle feces changed significantly (P<0.001) following administration of both MgO (15.6-8.1) and MgSO(4) (17.0-8.7) but there was no significant difference between treatments. The mean rumen pH values changed significantly (P<0.001) following administration of both MgO (7.-8.7) and MgSO(4) (7.3-8.3) but there was no significant difference between treatments. However, use of the MgO product caused a more severe (P<0.001) metabolic alkalosis as determined by base excess values. The base excess values remained elevated for 24 hours in the MgO treated group compared to only 12 hours after MgSO(4) administration. Following MgO administration, mean hydrogen ion concentration (pH), bicarbonate ion concentration ([HCO(3)-]) and base excess were 7.44, 33.3 mmol/L and +8.0 respectively compared to 7.38, 27 mmol/L and +3.0 after MgSO(4). Since the oral use of MgO in normal cattle causes a greater and more prolonged metabolic alkalosis compared to MgSO(4), MgO is contraindicated as a cathartic in normal cattle or in cattle with abomasal abnormalities characterized by pyloric obstruction and metabolic alkalosis.

Alkalosis↗

Prospective, randomized trial comparing four biofeedback techniques for patients with constipation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare four methods of biofeedback for patients with constipation. METHODS: Thirty-six patients were prospectively, randomly assigned to one of four protocols: 1) outpatient intra-anal electromyographic biofeedback training; 2) electromyographic biofeedback training plus intrarectal balloon training; 3) electromyographic biofeedback training plus home training; or 4) electromyographic biofeedback training, balloon training, and home training. All 36 patients received weekly one-hour outpatient biofeedback training. Success was measured by increased unassisted bowel movements and reduction in cathartic use. In all instances patients maintained a daily log in which documentation was maintained regarding each bowel evacuation and the need for any cathartics. RESULTS; There was a statistically significant increase in unassisted bowel movements for Groups 1, 2, and 4 (P < 0.05) and a reduction in the use of cathartics in Groups 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant improvement in outcome after all four treatment protocols for constipation; however, no significant difference was found among the treatments. Therefore, electromyographic biofeedback training alone is as effective as with the addition of balloon training, home training, or both.

Adolescent↗

Anti-giardial activity of gastrointestinal remedies of the Luo of east Africa.

Activity in an in vitro assay with Giardia lamblia provided a test of the validity of a quantitative methodology used in an ethnobotanical survey of the Luo people of the Lake Victoria basin of Kenya and Tanzania. Forty-five taxa of remedies for gastrointestinal problems were reported by four or more independent informants and a log-linear model was used to calculate a statistical measure of informant consensus. Methanolic extracts of 21 of 36 taxa assayed were lethal or inhibited growth of Giardia trophozoites at 1000 ppm; 7 species were lethal at 500 ppm. Non-cathartic species are more likely to be active than cathartics. Lethal species of non-cathartics are reported by informants more frequently than non-lethal species although the lack of statistical significance did not provide satisfactory support for the validity of the quantitative methodology as a predictor of efficacious remedies.

Animals↗

Experience with hemoperfusion for organophosphate poisoning.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of extracorporeal clearance techniques in the treatment of organophosphate poisoning, particularly hemoperfusion. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: An ICU of a general hospital. PATIENTS: Ten patients with organophosphate poisoning initially received classic treatment with gastric lavage and washing of the whole skin surface, as well as the administration of cathartics, activated charcoal, atropine, and obidoxime or pralidoxime. All patients underwent one to three hemoperfusions. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Plasma insecticide concentrations and cholinesterase activity were determined daily. Two to three biopsies of fat tissue were carried out at 1- to 2-wk intervals. The amount of the insecticide removed during hemoperfusions was also determined. Five patients presented with a prolonged nicotinic syndrome. Two of these patients showed sequelae of delayed neurotoxicity. Another two of the five patients died and the remaining patient recovered without sequelae. In none of the patients could > 0.1% of the total absorbed poison be removed by hemoperfusion. No changes in symptoms were observed after these procedures. Fat tissue concentrations of the insecticide were 20 to 50 times higher than the concentrations in plasma. Atropine decreased the intestinal transit time, and 10 days after poisoning, a powerful cathartic treatment indicated the persistence of gut content, which probably caused prolonged absorption of the toxin. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal cleansing mechanisms did not remove any clinically important amount of insecticide from our patients due to the high lipid solubility of these agents and no changes in symptoms were observed after these methods. The use of atropine decreases bowel peristalsis. Early use of powerful cathartics could avoid protracted absorption of the poison stored in the gut, although the potential benefits of this therapy require confirmation by the performance of prospective, controlled investigations.

Adult↗