Overview

4.6 out of 5 (29 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Pharmacology Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

30 Jan 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
Need Help?  If you have a system or content concerns, please contact support@statpearls.com

Activity Description

Laxatives are a category of medications frequently used to address constipation and various other gastrointestinal medical conditions. Their primary mechanism involves enhancing digestion and promoting bowel movements, thereby facilitating the process of bodily excretion. Laxatives can provide relief for patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, chronic idiopathic constipation, and opioid-induced constipation. Besides addressing constipation, laxatives are occasionally used to empty the bowels before procedures such as colonoscopies. Osmotic or stimulant laxatives are typically used as the first treatment option for constipation. If they do not effectively manage constipation, prokinetics or secretagogues may be used as the next steps. Laxatives are categorized based on the mechanism of action they exert, including bulk-forming laxatives, osmotic and prokinetic agents, lubricants, stimulants, and other types. 

Notably, laxative therapy is not the sole treatment for constipation. Initial management should involve lifestyle changes, including consuming increased fluids and fiber-rich foods, such as asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and spinach, into their diet. If constipation persists despite lifestyle modifications, the use of laxatives becomes a viable consideration. The comprehensive approach to treating chronic constipation encompasses patient education, behavior modification, dietary adjustments, and, if necessary, the inclusion of laxative therapy. This activity provides a comprehensive review of laxative classification, mechanism of action, proper administration, monitoring practices, and contraindications necessary for healthcare providers to proficiently address constipation and contribute to the overall well-being of their patients.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the appropriate laxative classification based on the patient's clinical presentation and underlying conditions to determine the most suitable option for individual patients.

  • Implement evidence-based guidelines for the effective and safe use of laxatives in managing constipation.

  • Assess patient response to laxative therapy, including first- and second-line agents, and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

  • Communicate effectively with patients and coordinate care by integrating lifestyle modifications, patient education, and behavioral interventions alongside laxative therapy for comprehensive and patient-centered outcomes.

  • Outline the indications of Laxatives

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurse Practitioners: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.00 ANCC contact hour(s), which includes 1.00 hour(s) of pharmacology. NPs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Katherine C. on 8/16/2021

Tiffany M. on 4/25/2022

Angjelin S. on 5/3/2022

Rebecca I. on 5/4/2022

Kimberly G. on 6/12/2022

Dr.Ayodhyaprasad S. on 7/7/2022

Prabhat K. on 7/19/2022

Natalia M. on 8/22/2022

Miranda C. on 9/3/2022

IRIS O. on 9/24/2022

Christy E. on 10/10/2022

susan m. on 11/15/2022

Jayme S. on 12/6/2022

Nancy M. on 12/9/2022

MARGARONE M. on 2/5/2023

Dominika S. on 2/8/2023

amy s. on 2/16/2023

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Amy L. on 5/5/2023

Jennifer F. on 7/15/2023

Casey B. on 8/3/2023

Sara R. on 8/13/2023

Aaren M. on 8/25/2023

Andrea L. on 9/12/2023

Allyson M. on 10/13/2023

Karen K. on 12/8/2023

Kim L. on 12/21/2023

Karen K. on 1/2/2024

Christine Y. on 3/15/2024

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