Definition:
Substances that encourage evacuation (emptying) of the bowels.
Those with eating disorders use purgatives with the intent of maintaining or losing weight. Though they are inefficient for this purpose, it's likely that the tangible experience of evacuating the bowels reinforces the notion that it's a productive process. Using purgatives regularly is very harmful to the body; in some cases, chronic use can lead to bowel dysfunction and an inability to have normal bowel movements without them. Chronic purgative use can also disturb electrolytes.
Pronunciation: PUR'-geh-tivs
Also Known As: laxatives, stool softeners
Common Misspellings: purgitives, purgetives
Examples: Dr. Green's presentation on the risks of purgatives led Hillary to throw away her laxatives and all of her enema paraphernalia.
