A laxative is a medication used to produce bowel movements. Laxative overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

Most laxative overdoses in children are accidental. However, some people abuse laxatives by regularly taking overdoses in an effort to lose weight.

• Bisacodyl
• Carboxymethylcellulose
• Cascara sagrada
• Casanthranol
• Castor oil
• Dehydrocholic acid
• Docusate
• Glycerin
• Lactulose
• Magnesium citrate
• Magnesium hydroxide
• Magnesium oxide
• Magnesium sulfate
• Malt soup extract
• Methylcellulose
• Milk of magnesia
• Mineral oil
• Phenolphthalein
• Poloxamer 188
• Polycarbophil
• Potassium bitartrate and sodium bicarbonate
• Psyllium
• Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid
• Senna
• Sennosides
• Sodium phosphate

• Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
• Cascara sagrada
• Castor oil
• Docusate (Colace)
• Docusate and phenolphthalein (Correctol)
• Glycerin suppositories
• Lactulose (Duphalac)
• Magnesium citrate
• Malt soup extract (Maltsupex)
• Methylcellulose
• Milk of magnesia
• Mineral oil
• Phenolphthalein (Ex Lax)
• Psyllium
• Senna

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, are most common. Dehydration and electrolyte problems are more common in children than adults. Below are symptoms specific to the actual product.

Bisacodyl:

• Cramps
• Diarrhea

Senna; Cascara sagrada:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Collapse
• Diarrhea

Phenolphthalein:

• Abdominal pain
• Collapse
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drop in blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Rash

Sodium phosphate:

• Abdominal pain
• Collapse
• Diarrhea
• Muscle weakness
• Vomiting

Magnesium-containing products:

• Abdominal pain
• Collapse
• Coma
• Death
• Diarrhea (watery)
• Drop in blood pressure
• Flushing
• Gastrointestinal irritation
• Muscle weakness
• Painful bowel movements
• Painful urination
• Slowed breathing
• Thirst
• Vomiting

Castor oil can cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Mineral oil can cause aspiration pneumonia, a condition where vomited stomach contents are inhaled.

Products containing methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polycarbophil, or psyllium may cause choking or intestinal blockage if they are not taken with plenty of fluids.