| Class | Bulk-forming laxative |
|---|---|
| Chemistry |
The calcium salt of polyacrylic acid crosslinked with divinyl glycol |
| Routes of administration |
Oral |
| Absorption |
Some of the calcium may be absorbed, but the rest of the substance is non-absorbable |
| Solubility |
pKa of the polymers is 6.0; insoluble in water |
| Distribution |
Not absorbed; remains in the bowel |
| Metabolism |
Does not undergo any metabolism |
| Elimination |
Eliminated largely unchanged in the stool |
| Time course of action |
Duration of effect depends largely on the gut motility |
| Target receptor |
Does not bind any cell receptors |
| Mechanism of action |
Non-soluble, but absorbs up to 100 times its weight in water, exchanging calcium ions for hydrogen ions |
| Clinical effects |
An increase in the frequency, volume, and water content of stools; potentially also hypercalcemia. Theoretically, could cause bowel obstruction in large doses |
| Literature reference |
Danhof et al, 1982 |
| CICM details of understanding | Not specifically listed in the CICM syllabus |
| Mentioned around Deranged Physiology | |
| Related SAQs |