Editing Laxative (section)

===Saline laxative agents===
Saline laxatives are nonabsorbable, osmotically active substances that attract and retain water in the intestinal lumen, increasing intraluminal pressure that mechanically stimulates evacuation of the bowel. Magnesium-containing agents also cause the release of [[cholecystokinin]], which increases intestinal motility and fluid secretion.<ref name=Handbook/> Saline laxatives may alter a patient's fluid and electrolyte balance.

'''Properties'''
* Site of action: small and large intestines
* Onset of action: 0.5–3 hours (oral), 2–15 minutes (rectal)
* Examples: [[Sodium phosphates|sodium phosphate]] (and variants), [[magnesium citrate]], [[magnesium hydroxide]] (milk of magnesia), and [[magnesium sulfate]] (Epsom salt)<ref name=Handbook/>