laxante
/laɡˈsante/masculine
The Spanish word for laxative is laxante.
The word laxante is used to refer to a substance that has a laxative effect. It can function as a noun to mean 'a laxative' or as an adjective to describe something that causes movement of the bowels, such as in the phrase efecto laxante (laxative effect).
Meaning: substance with a laxative effect (noun)
Which one should you use?
While laxante is the standard term, you may encounter other expressions depending on the context. Purgante is a more formal term, whereas medicina para el estreñimiento (medicine for constipation) is an informal way to describe the same thing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun laxante is masculine. Therefore, if you are referring to 'a laxative', you would say un laxante.
How do you pronounce it?
/laɡˈsante/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the term purgante is associated with a traditional ritual cleaning of the body, often performed at the start of a new year or season to remove 'toxins'.
- The word laxante shares its root with the Spanish word laxo, which can describe not just muscles or bowels, but also a 'lax' or overly permissive moral attitude.
- When buying medicine at a pharmacy, using the phrase para ir al baño (to go to the bathroom) is a very common, polite way to signal you need a laxative without being too graphic.
Examples in context
- El médico me recetó un laxante para aliviar el estreñimiento.The doctor prescribed a laxative to relieve constipation.
- Es recomendable no abusar de los purgantes sin prescripción médica.It's advisable not to abuse laxatives without a medical prescription.
- Comí demasiado y necesito un laxante para sentirme mejor.I ate too much and I need a laxative to feel better.
- Este medicamento es un laxante.This medicine is a laxative.
- Este laxante es muy efectivo.This laxative is very effective.
- Necesito comprar un laxante en la farmacia.I need to buy a laxative at the pharmacy.
- El médico me recomendó un laxante suave.The doctor recommended a mild laxative to me.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are at a drugstore.
- MateoElena, ¿sabes dónde está el laxante?Elena, do you know where the laxative is?
- ElenaCreo que está en el pasillo tres.I think it is in aisle three.
- MateoGracias, necesito un laxante suave.Thanks, I need a mild laxative.
- ElenaMira, aquí hay varios tipos.Look, there are several types here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “laxative” translations and entries laxante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
