Laxatives and antidiarrhoeal agents are among the most commonly used drugs. Minor adverse effects of these drugs are probably common, but serious reactions are rare. Among the reported adverse reactions (not all proved beyond doubt) are:LaxativesGastrointestinal — diarrhoea, flatulence, colic, oesophageal or intestinal obstruction, tumours, colonic structural changes and pigmentation.Metabolic — electrolyte depletion or excess, vitamin malabsorption, hypoglycaemiaAllergic — bronchospasm, rashes.Hepatic — liver damage.Urinary — urine discolouration.AntidiarrhoealsGastrointestinal — mouth dryness, vomiting, enterocolitis, toxic megacolon.Cardiovascular — tachycardia, flushing.Ncuropsychiatric — drowsiness, confusion, mood change.