Question

Laxatives are typically used to relieve occasional constipation. Some laxatives work by stimulating or increasing the frequency of bowel movement, while others are designed to add bulk or soften the patients stool. Which of the following drugs is not a laxative?

1) Imodium
2) Metamucil
3) Dulcolax
4) Citrucel

Answer 1

Imodium is not a laxative; it is used to treat diarrhea by slowing intestinal movement. Other listed drugs like Metamucil, Dulcolax, and Citrucel are laxatives designed to ease constipation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The drug among the listed options that is not a laxative is Imodium. Imodium is used to treat diarrhea by slowing the movement of chyme through the small intestine, which is the opposite effect of a laxative. Laxatives like Metamucil, Dulcolax, and Citrucel are designed to either stimulate bowel movements, add bulk, or soften stools to alleviate constipation. Metamucil and Citrucel contain fiber that can absorb water as it moves through the digestive system to ease defecation, while Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative that increases bowel movement frequency.