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Bytzer, P., Stokholm, M., Andersen, I., Klitgaard, N.A. and Schaffalitzky de Muckadell, O.B. (1989) Prevalence of surreptitious laxative abuse in patients with diarrhoea of uncertain origin: A cost benefit analysis of a screening procedure. Gut, 30, 1379-1384. doi:10.1136/gut.30.10.1379

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Diphenyl methane laxatives do not induce electrolyte imbalance

  AUTHORS: Stefan Müller-Lissner

  KEYWORDS: Laxative; Bisacodyl; Sodium Picosulfate; Hyponatremia; Hypokalemia

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Gastroenterology, Vol.3 No.5, September 9, 2013

  ABSTRACT: Aim: To analyse whether there are changes in sodium and potassium serum levels during chronic treatment with the diphenyl methanes bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate. Methods: A literature search was done using PubMed, and the reference lists of pertinent papers were screened for additional studies. Only studies of at least 4 weeks duration were considered for further analysis. Results: Four relevant studies were identified. In three randomised controlled trials with 5 to 10 mg daily of bisacodyl or sodium picosulfate, respectively, over four weeks no electrolyte losses were found. Hypokalemia was also not a problem in a group of patients with paraplegia using bisacodyl suppositories for 2 to 34 years. Conclusions: Electrolyte losses, particularly hypokalemia, are not a problem when bisacodyl or sodium picosulfate are used long-term.