Cathartic
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see catharsis (disambiguation).
In medicine, a cathartic is a substance which accelerates defecation.
This is in contrast to a laxative, which is a substance which eases defecation, usually by softening the stool.[1] It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathartic. However, agents such as psyllium seed husks increase the bulk of the stool.[2]
Cathartics such as sorbitol are sometimes used in response to poisoning.[3]
As an adjective, cathartic means psychotherapeutic or emotionally beneficial; viewing art or listening to music may be cathartic experiences.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- c_15/12219134 at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
- Cathartic at eMedicine Dictionary
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