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Abdominal Cancer, Constipation, and Anorexia 145

[8] Portenoy RK. Pharmacologic management of cancer pain. Semin Oncol Websites
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[9] Rao SS. Constipation: evaluation and treatment. Gastroenterol Clin
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Appendix

Profi les of laxatives (in alphabetic order)
Bisacodyl (phenolphthalein): antiresorptive and hydragogue, 5–10 mg for prophylaxis, 10–20 mg for therapy
Gastrographin (dye): propulsive, only in acute danger of ileus, 50–100 cc
Lactulose (osmotic sugar): for prophylaxis when oral fl uid intake is not impaired, 10–40 g
Macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol): osmotic, prophylaxis for cancer patients, 13–40 g
Magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate (saline and osmotic): short term-treatment, 10–20 g
Naloxone (opioid antagonist): prophylaxis with chronic sub-ileus, 4 × 3–5 mg orally
Sodium-picosulfate (phenolphthalein): antiresorptive and hydragogue, for cancer patients, 5–10 mg
Paraffi n: improves “gliding” of stools, short-term therapy without risk of aspiration, daily 10–30 mL
Senna (anthraquinone glycoside): antiresorptive und hydragogue for prophylaxis and long-term therapy, 10–20 mL
Sorbitol: saline and osmotic for refractory constipation, suppository in the morning (fast-acting)