ABSTRACT
The effects of medications and toxins on the colon range from the developmen t of mild symptoms of diarrhea and constipation to the very serious complications of perforation and toxic megacolon. Although some medications, such as laxatives, are designed to produce specific effects on the colon, the majority of medication-induced alterations of colonic function are unintended. Manifestations of medication and toxin-induced colonic damage predominantly fall into four main categories: histological changes (colitis), ischemic injury, diarrhea, and constipation. This chapter will discuss all major medications and toxins that affect the colon in these ways. Other, less common, forms of medication-induced colonic injury will also be briefly discussed.
