1,8-Dihydroxyanthraquinone is an organic substance with formula , formally derived from anthraquinone

Anthraquinone

Anthraquinone, also called anthracenedione or dioxoanthracene is an aromatic organic compound with formula . Several isomers are possible, each of which can be viewed as a quinone derivative...

 by the replacement of two hydrogen

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the chemical element with atomic number 1. It is represented by the symbol H. With an average atomic weight of , hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant chemical element, constituting roughly 75% of the Universe's chemical elemental mass. Stars in the main sequence are mainly...

 atoms by hydroxyl

Hydroxyl

A hydroxyl is a chemical group containing an oxygen atom covalently bonded with a hydrogen atom. In inorganic chemistry, the hydroxyl group is known as the hydroxide ion, and scientists and reference works generally use these different terms though they refer to the same chemical structure in...

 groups

Functional group

In organic chemistry, functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. The same functional group will undergo the same or similar chemical reaction regardless of the size of the molecule it is a part of...

 (OH). It is used in some countries as a stimulant laxative

Laxative

Laxatives are foods, compounds, or drugs taken to induce bowel movements or to loosen the stool, most often taken to treat constipation. Certain stimulant, lubricant, and saline laxatives are used to evacuate the colon for rectal and/or bowel examinations, and may be supplemented by enemas under...

, under the generic names

International Nonproprietary Name

An International Nonproprietary Name is the official nonproprietary or generic name given to a pharmaceutical substance, as designated by the World Health Organization...

 dantron or chrysazin.

It should not be confused with ondansetron

Ondansetron

Ondansetron is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used mainly as an antiemetic , often following chemotherapy. Its effects are thought to be on both peripheral and central nerves...

, an unrelated drug that was marketed in South Africa

South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...

 uder the trade name

Trade name

A trade name, also known as a trading name or a business name, is the name which a business trades under for commercial purposes, although its registered, legal name, used for contracts and other formal situations, may be another....

"Dantron".

Medical uses

In the USA

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

, dantron is not used because it is considered to be a carcinogen.

In the UK

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

 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

Palliative care

Palliative care is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients...

 to counteract the constipating effects of opioids) Its British Approved Name

British Approved Name

A British Approved Name is the official non-proprietary or generic name given to a pharmaceutical substance, as defined in the British Pharmacopoeia...

was Danthron, but it has now been changed to "dantron", the recommended International Nonproprietary Name.

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