Dantron

Overview

 * "Dantron" is also a trade name of ondansetron, an unrelated drug, in South Africa.

Dantron (also known as chrysazin) is an anthraquinone derivative, 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone, used in some countries as a stimulant laxative. In the USA it is considered to be a carcinogen, and is therefore not used. In the UK it is considered a possible carcinogen and so its licence is restricted to patients who already have a diagnosis of terminal cancer (i.e. it is mainly used in palliative care to counteract the constipating effects of opioids)

It has the notable side-effect of causing red-coloured urine.

"Danthron" was the British Approved Name, but it has now been changed to "dantron" in harmony with the recommended International Nonproprietary Name (rINN).