| Substance name | Information |
|---|
Frusemide | Frusemide (also known as Furosemide) is listed in the Poisons Act
(1938). It is a medication commonly used for the treatment of oedema
(swelling due to fluid retention) due to burns, cardiac, hepatic, or renal
disorders, and for mild to moderate high blood pressure. Common side
effects include dehydration, low blood pressure, low sodium levels and
low potassium levels in blood. Excessive use of Frusemide may lead
to electrolyte disturbances, low blood or fluid volume, circulatory
collapse, and increased concentration of blood cells from loss of
plasma or water from blood with a tendency to thrombosis (formation
of blood clot in blood vessel).
|
| Phenolphthalein | Phenolphthalein is listed in the Poisons Act (1938). It is a stimulant
laxative used for symptomatic relief from constipation. Common side
effects include abdominal cramps, allergic reactions, difficulty
breathing and kidney damage. Excessive use of Phenolphthalein may
result in diarrhoea with excessive loss of water and electrolytes,
particularly potassium, and the development of an atonic nonfunctioning colon. |
| Sennosides | Sennosides is used for the relief of constipation and has not been
assessed to be safe for use in food products. Common side effects of
Sennosides may include abdominal pain, spasms, diarrhoea, and low
potassium levels in the blood leading to muscle weakness and/or
cramps. Prolonged use of Sennosides may lead to a lazy bowel (bowel
muscles become too relaxed leading to less frequent bowel emptying,
which may lead to long-term constipation) and dehydration. |
| Sibutramine | Sibutramine is listed in the Poisons Act (1938). It is a prescription only
weight loss medicine banned in Singapore since 2010, due to an
increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Other serious health
consequences reported with its use include heart problems and central
nervous system disorders (e.g. psychosis and hallucinations).
Seizures have also been reported with sibutramine. |
