From a survey of drug use in 55 residential homes for the elderly it was found that a total of 365 medicines comprising 114 different products were held and dispensed by the homes. Of these 43 (12%) were prescription-only medicines. The most frequently held therapeutic groups were analgesics (23% of all remedies held), laxatives (22%) and antacids (14%). It is recommended that a formulary of re...

Hypoalbuminemia in the absence of hepatic, renal, and nutritional deficiency may indicate protein malabsorption or protein losing gastroenteropathy. Abuse of laxatives like castor oil can cause protein losing gastroenteropathy(l). Castor oil is hydrolyzed in the intestine by pancreatic lipase to glycerol and ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid acts as a mild irritant and causes purgation. It is al...

Melanosis coli is associated with an increased risk of colorectal tumors but is not agreed to be a precancerous lesion. The condition has been associated with the ingestion of anthracene laxatives and is believed to be caused by increased epithelial apoptosis. Although melanosis coli is a frequent finding in colonic biopsies and resection specimens, to our knowledge severe jet black melanosis c...

Abstract Background Melanosis coli is a benign condition characterized by deposition of lipofuscin in colonic mucosa due to long-term laxative use. Case presentation Here I am reporting case an 85-year-old man who presented with constipation, history herbal medication intake as laxatives, and upon evaluation, he was found have melanosis coli. Conclusion common adverse effect chronic use which m...