whether the popular laxative, phenolphthalein, is carcinogenic

May 1996

There's a controversy brewing over whether the popular laxative, phenolphthalein, is carcinogenic.

Phenolphthalein is carcinogenic in mice and rats...the makers of Ex-Lax insist that it is safe in humans.

The makers of Correctol have recently reformulated one of their products...replacing the phenolphthalein with bisacodyl.

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Table of Contents

corporate sponsorship influence scientific research and publication
Substance Use Disorder increasing concern about patients abusing Stadol NS (butorphanol nasal spray)
Substance Use Disorder keep an eye on patients who request lots of refills of the new pain reliever Ultram (tramadol)
Substance Use Disorder avoid herbal stimulants that are being marketed as an alternative to amphetamines
Laxatives whether the popular laxative, phenolphthalein, is carcinogenic
Interactions adding quinine to the list of drugs that shouldn't be used with the antihistamine Hismanal (astemizole)
Interactions cytochrome P450 enzymes and their important role in causing drug interactions
Dermatology new warnings about using lindane for lice or scabies
Infectious Diseases Some travelers are complaining the anti-malaria drug Lariam (mefloquine) causes nightmarish side effects
Infectious Diseases elevated potassium levels in patients taking TMP/SMX (Bactrim, Septra, etc)
Cardiology vitamin E to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease
greater emphasis on taking calcium during pregnancy
removed precautions for nursing moms taking progestin-only birth control pills
new estrogen patch called Vivelle
estrogen replacement therapy reduces the risk of tooth loss in postmenopausal women
Depakote (divalproex) to PREVENT migraine headaches
Vaccines new hepatitis A vaccine, Vaqta (VAK-ta)
Vaccines new pediatric formulation of Havrix