Drug classes

Laxatives, Bulk Formers

MFDS drug class 02380

Laxatives and bulk formers are classifications of drugs that promote bowel movement or relieve constipation.

Representative ingredients

The ingredients most often used in single-ingredient medicines of this type.

Commonly used for

What kind of medicines are these?

These medications are primarily used to relieve symptoms of constipation or to assist in the expulsion of intestinal contents. They are prescribed when bowel movements are slow or difficult.

Laxatives and cathartics stimulate the muscles of the intestine or increase the water content in the intestines to soften the stool and promote bowel movements. Some increase the bulk of intestinal contents to activate bowel activity.

Good to know

Laxatives and cathartics have similar purposes; however, laxatives mainly focus on treating constipation, while cathartics are more focused on promoting bowel activity. They are distinguished from other gastrointestinal medications and are classified separately from drug classes with different mechanisms of action.

Medicines in this class

Even within the same class, dosage form and prescription status can differ.

105 total

View more

Drug classes are only attached to medicines covered by the MFDS pill identification data, so this list does not include every medicine.

SourceKorea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Drug Safety Korea)

Product approval information is based on drug information provided by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Ingredient and class descriptions are not part of MFDS data and were written separately by Cashdoc.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist for accurate dosage, administration, and usage instructions.