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cathartic
References
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cathartic

drug
Also known as: purgative
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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Learn about this topic in these articles:

  • laxative

    Contact purgatives act directly on the muscles of the intestine, stimulating the wavelike muscular contractions (peristalsis) that result in defecation. This type of laxative includes cascara, senna, ricinoleic acid (castor oil), and phenolphthalein.

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    Contact purgatives act directly on the muscles of the intestine, stimulating the wavelike muscular contractions (peristalsis) that result in defecation. This type of laxative includes cascara, senna, ricinoleic acid (castor oil), and phenolphthalein.

    Read More