Name: Anthraquinones (senna, cascara, danthron, aloe)
Class: Laxative (Contact Cathartic) (Anthraquinone Cathartic)
Mechanism: Emodin, an anthraquinone, stimulates peristalsis in the colon. Effects take > 6 hr. to develop.
Absorption:
Dist.: Breast milk.
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½: Partial kidney excretion (may color urine).
Toxicity/S.E.s: Excessive catharsis. Colored urine. Not to be used by nursing mothers.
Utility: Laxative
Special Features: Activated by intestinal microflora. More complete evacuation than diphenylmethanes. Contact cathartics are most commonly involved in prolonged cathartic abuse. Should never be used > 1 wk of regular therapy. Not recommended for initial therapy.