Poisoning by other cathartics, including intestinal atonia

This code signifies an adverse reaction or overdose due to cathartics other than those specifically classified elsewhere, such as saline and stimulant laxatives. It encompasses poisonings from bulk-forming agents, emollients, and osmotic laxatives, leading to various systemic effects or exacerbating pre-existing conditions.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient's signs and symptoms are directly attributable to an overdose or toxic effect of a cathartic not otherwise specified. This includes instances of intentional overdose, accidental ingestion, or adverse reactions to prescribed dosages. Supporting documentation should detail the specific cathartic involved (if known and not otherwise classified), the circumstances of the poisoning, and the resulting clinical manifestations.

• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis when an external cause code (E-code) is available to specify the intent and circumstances of the poisoning.
• Distinguish carefully between adverse effects of properly administered drugs (E930-E949) and poisonings (E850-E869, E950-E989).
• Ensure the documentation specifies "other cathartics" to avoid miscoding with more specific cathartic poisoning codes.