Can Coca-cola be used for impacted stools?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Coca-cola insertion into the large intestine can be used for impacted stools. Impacted stools are large and hard pieces of stool which get stuck in your rectum or colon.
According to some research studies, Coca-cola contains some chemicals which may mimic the activity of gastric fluids. Insertion of this drink into the rectum can help break down the large masses of stools and facilitate bowel evacuation. (1)
Some studies have also indicated that this method has a success rate of about 93%. In fact, this method can be quite helpful even if other conventional methods like enema and laxatives fail to clear up your large intestine. (2)
However, it is not recommended to try this at home. If you are concerned about bowel obstruction, reach out to your doctor. Do not try anything that requires high medical skills on your own.
Medications and medical procedures for impacted stools
There are medications and medical procedures that can help with impacted stools. These include: (3)
Medications
- Stool softeners: These medications help soften the stool, making it easier to pass.
- Laxatives: Different types of laxatives, such as osmotic laxatives or stimulant laxatives, can help stimulate bowel movements and alleviate constipation.
- Enemas: Enemas involve introducing liquid into the rectum to soften the stool and promote bowel movements.
Manual removal
In severe cases, a healthcare professional may need to manually remove the impacted stool. This procedure, called manual disimpaction, involves using gloved fingers to gently break up and remove the hardened stool.
Rectal irrigation
Rectal irrigation involves the use of a special device to introduce a controlled amount of fluid into the rectum. This helps soften the stool and flush it out.
Surgical procedures
In rare cases of severe or chronic impaction, surgical intervention may be necessary. This may involve removing a portion of the colon or rectum to relieve the blockage.
Some tips for regulating your bowel movements
Some important tips that can help regulate your bowel movements include:
- Increase fibre intake: Consuming more fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, can add bulk to the stool and promote regular bowel movements. Magnesium-rich foods can also help, but be aware! Too much magnesium can lead to constipation.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water helps soften the stool, making it easier to pass. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.
- Exercise regularly: Engaging in physical activity can stimulate bowel movements and promote healthy digestion. Try incorporating moderate exercise, like walking or cycling, into your daily routine.
- Establish a regular bathroom routine: Creating a consistent schedule for going to the bathroom, preferably after meals when the colon is more active, can help regulate bowel movements.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Stress and anxiety can contribute to constipation. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help alleviate stress and promote better digestion.
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References
1.-
Ferre-Aracil C, González-Haba M, Tormo-Lanseros B, Giménez-Alvira L, Jiménez-Garrido M. Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome resolved by dissolution with Coca-Cola® via colonoscopy in a cystic fibrosis patient. J Cyst Fibros. 2020 Nov;19(6):e43-e44. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2020.05.001. Epub 2020 May 21. PMID: 32446590. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32446590/
2.-
Ontanilla Clavijo G, León Montañés R, Sánchez Torrijos Y, López Ruiz T, Bozada García JM. Colonic obstruction secondary to sigmoid fecaloma endoscopically resolved with Coca-Cola®. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2017 Apr;109(4):306-308. doi: 10.17235/reed.2017.4209/2016. PMID: 28215096. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28215096/
3.-
Setya A, Mathew G, Cagir B. Fecal Impaction. 2022 Aug 19. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 28846345. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448094
