phenolphthalein

Phenolphthalein is a synthetic small molecule historically used as a stimulant laxative for the symptomatic relief of constipation and for bowel cleansing prior to medical procedures. It acts by stimulating intestinal peristalsis to promote bowel movements. In addition to its pharmaceutical use as a laxative (now largely discontinued due to safety concerns), phenolphthalein is widely used in laboratories as an acid-base pH indicator because it changes color depending on the pH of the solution—colorless in acidic conditions and pink in alkaline conditions. Its use in medicine has been withdrawn or restricted in many countries due to evidence suggesting carcinogenicity from animal studies[1][4][5][8].

Brand names

Ex-LaxFeen-a-MintPurgenLaxagettenAgiolax mit Phenolphthalein

Other names

3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalideFenolftaleinFenolftaleinaPhenolphtaleinePhenolphthaleinumPhthalimettenPhthalin