There are five basic types of laxatives:. The active ingredient in stimulant laxatives is usually either senna also known as sennosides or bisacodyl. Stimulant laxatives can be used to treat constipation. They can be one of the faster acting types of laxative. Healthy humans typically have bowel movements BMs between three times a week to three times a day. While doctors consider less than three bowel movements a week as constipation, there are other symptoms to consider, in addition to frequency.
Untreated, chronic constipation might lead to fecal impaction. This condition occurs when your rectum becomes obstructed with a clog of fecal matter. Some of the side effects that you can experience with stimulant laxatives include:.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects while taking stimulant laxatives:. Also, before using a stimulant laxative, talk with your doctor about your current health conditions, especially:. Here are some brand names:. Constipation can be very uncomfortable and worrisome. Stimulant laxatives work, for many people, as an effective treatment for constipation. Among other medications, laxatives can interact with certain heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications.
This information is often on the label. If laxative use results in diarrhea, your body can become dehydrated. Diarrhea can also lead to electrolyte imbalance.
Talk with your doctor before using any laxative. Overuse of laxatives other than bulk formers can result in the intestines losing muscle and nerve response, which can lead to dependency on laxatives to have a bowel movement.
When you have constipation and are using laxatives, make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience unexplained changes in bowel pattern or constipation lasting longer than seven days even with using a laxative. To help treat constipation and avoid it in the future, consider making these dietary and lifestyle changes:.
For the treatment of occasional constipation, you have a choice of a number of safe, effective OTC laxatives. If you decide to use one, read the label directions carefully and only use it as directed. If you have chronic constipation, see your doctor. They can tailor a plan of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes to help you treat and avoid future problems with bowel movements. Laxatives can help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
Learn more about natural laxatives. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits or function that lasts longer than 2 weeks, or that keeps returning off and on, check with your doctor before using a laxative. This will allow the cause of your problem to be determined before it may become more serious. The "laxative habit"—Laxative products are overused by many people. Such a practice often leads to dependence on the laxative action to produce a bowel movement.
In severe cases, overuse of some laxatives has caused damage to the nerves, muscles, and tissues of the intestines and bowel. If you have any questions about the use of laxatives, check with your health care professional. Many laxatives often contain large amounts of sugars, carbohydrates, and sodium. If you are on a low-sugar, low-caloric, or low-sodium diet, check with your health care professional before using a laxative.
Large doses of mineral oil may cause some leakage from the rectum. The use of absorbent pads or a decrease in dose may be necessary to prevent the soiling of clothing. The person may receive:. How well a person does depends on the type of laxative swallowed, how much was swallowed, and how much time passed before treatment was received.
First-time laxative overdoses are rarely serious. Severe symptoms are most likely in people who abuse laxatives by taking large amounts to lose weight. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances may occur. Inability to control bowel movements may also develop. Laxatives containing magnesium can cause serious electrolyte and heart rhythm disturbances in people with impaired kidney function.
These people may require the extra breathing support noted above. Aronson JK. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; Meehan TJ.
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