Stimulant, cathartic laxative drug that is irritant to intestinal mucosa. Chronic use or abuse may be a cause of hydroelectrolytic derangement in the mother and diarrhea in the infant. Safer laxative drugs are those bulk-inducing, osmotic, emollient or stool softener agents. A balanced and fiber-rich diet, high fluid intake and physical exercise are of paramount importance to fight constipation.