Laxatives: Friend Or Foe?

are laxatives habit forming

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available over the counter and on prescription. While laxatives can be very helpful in providing relief from constipation, they can also be habit-forming and harmful to the bowels if used for an extended period of time. It is recommended that laxatives be used only occasionally and for up to a week at a time. If constipation persists, it is advised to consult a doctor.

Characteristics Values
Are laxatives habit-forming? Yes, stimulant laxatives can be habit-forming.
Types of laxatives Bulk-forming, osmotic, stool softeners, lubricants, stimulants
How do laxatives work? By increasing the weight of the stool, drawing water into the bowel, softening the stool, and triggering the intestines to contract and push out the stool.
How to take laxatives Tablets, capsules, sachets of powder, suppositories, liquids, or gels
When to take laxatives First thing in the morning, last thing at night, or as directed by a pharmacist
How long do laxatives take to work? A few hours to a few days, depending on the type
Side effects Dehydration, diarrhoea, intestinal obstruction, electrolyte disturbances, unbalanced salts and minerals in the body, liver toxicity, gastrointestinal obstruction, caffeine toxicity
Precautions Do not take more than the recommended dose, do not take every day, do not give to children under 6 without a doctor's advice
Self-help alternatives Increase fibre intake, add bulking agents, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly

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Laxatives can be habit-forming and harmful to the bowels if used for an extended period of time

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available over the counter and on prescription. While they can be effective in providing relief, laxatives can be habit-forming and harmful to the bowels if used for an extended period of time.

Stimulant laxatives, for example, trigger the intestines to contract and push out stools. They can be effective in treating constipation, but they should not be used for more than a week unless specifically advised by a doctor. This is because, over time, the bowel may stop functioning normally and become dependent on stimulant laxatives to function at all.

Bulk-forming laxatives, on the other hand, contain fibre, which absorbs water in the intestines and produces bulkier stools. These are safe to use daily and include Metamucil and Citrucel, which are available in powder and capsule form.

Osmotic laxatives, such as milk of magnesia and glycerin, draw water into the bowel from surrounding tissues to soften stools and increase bowel movement frequency. These can be safe to use for longer periods, but they can cause dehydration and, in some cases, diarrhoea.

Lubricant laxatives, like mineral oil, coat the surface of the stool to retain moisture, allowing for softer stools and easier passage. However, mineral oil should not be used for more than a few days as it interferes with the absorption of vitamins and can cause pneumonia if inhaled.

Overall, while laxatives can provide relief for constipation, they should be used with caution and only as directed. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and duration of use to avoid potential side effects and harm to the bowels. If constipation persists or becomes chronic, it is best to consult a doctor for advice and alternative treatment options.

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Laxatives are available over the counter and on prescription

There are several types of laxatives, including bulk-forming laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. Bulk-forming laxatives are generally considered the gentlest type and are often recommended as a first course of treatment. They work by increasing the bulk or weight of the stool, which stimulates the bowel. Osmotic laxatives, on the other hand, draw water from the body into the bowel to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. Stool softeners, as the name suggests, soften the stool by increasing the water and fat content. Lubricant laxatives coat the colon, making it slippery and preventing water absorption from the stool. Finally, stimulant laxatives activate the nerves controlling the muscles in the colon, forcing it into motion.

While laxatives are easily accessible, they should be used with caution. They are not recommended for long-term use and should only be taken occasionally and for up to a week at a time. Prolonged use of laxatives can lead to side effects such as dehydration, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. In some cases, overuse of laxatives can result in more serious complications like electrolyte imbalance, chronic constipation, and intestinal blockage. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions on the medication and not exceed the recommended dosage.

If you are experiencing constipation, it is advisable to first try lifestyle changes such as increasing fibre and fluid intake, taking probiotics, and exercising regularly. If these measures do not help, then laxatives can be considered. However, if you are constantly needing to take laxatives or if they are not providing relief, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can advise on alternative treatments or prescribe a different type of laxative if necessary.

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Bulk-forming laxatives increase the weight of stool to stimulate the bowel

Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating the bowels to move. They are generally available without a prescription, but it is important to take them as directed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, or stomach cramps.

Bulk-forming laxatives are considered the gentlest type of laxative and are often the first line of treatment for constipation. They increase the weight of the stool by absorbing liquid in the intestines, which creates a bulky, more liquid-like stool that is softer and easier to pass. This type of laxative does not stimulate the nerves that speed up bowel movement through the intestines, as stimulant laxatives do. Instead, bulk-forming laxatives add an ingredient called soluble fibre to the stool, which draws water from the body into the stool, making it bigger and softer. This increase in size stimulates the colon to contract and push the stool out. Common bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel).

The process by which bulk-forming laxatives increase the weight of the stool is gradual, typically taking between 12 hours to three days to provide relief. They are generally safe to use daily and are associated with fewer side effects than other types of laxatives. However, it is important to take them with at least 8 ounces of water or fruit juice to prevent bowel obstruction and stay well-hydrated throughout the day. As with all laxatives, bulk-forming laxatives should only be used in the short term unless otherwise instructed by a doctor.

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Osmotic laxatives draw water into the bowel to soften stools

Laxatives are products that help people empty their bowels. They are used to treat or prevent constipation. While they can be helpful, they should be used with caution and only when needed. If you find yourself frequently needing to take laxatives, it is important to consult a doctor.

One type of laxative is an osmotic laxative. Osmotic laxatives draw water into the intestines from the surrounding tissues, specifically from the wall of the colon to the inside of the colon (or lumen). This increases the amount of fluid in the intestines, softening the stools and making them easier to pass. The term "osmotic" refers to the movement of fluid through a membrane so that the concentration is equal on both sides. Osmotic laxatives alter the balance with substances such as salts, sugars, and other organic compounds that encourage the movement of water into the lumen.

Osmotic laxatives are available over the counter and by prescription. Examples include Milk of Magnesia, lactulose, and polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is an organic compound derived from petroleum that can be safely ingested to manage constipation. It is available over the counter under brand names like Miralax and GlycoLax. Lactulose is a type of sugar that is not absorbed by the intestine. Instead, it sits and ferments in the intestines, producing fatty acids that draw water into the lumen. It is available by prescription under brand names like Cephulac, Duphalac, and Kristalose.

Osmotic laxatives can be used to prevent or treat chronic constipation. They differ from other types of laxatives, such as emollient, lubricant, and stimulant laxatives, which work by drawing water and fat to stools, lubricating the stools, or stimulating intestinal contractions. Osmotic laxatives can be a good option for people with constipation, but they should be used correctly and in conjunction with a fibre-rich diet, adequate fluid intake, and physical activity.

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Stool softeners are mild laxatives that soften hard stools

Laxatives can be habit-forming. If you take stimulant laxatives too often, you could become dependent on them to have a bowel movement at all. This is possibly because the bowel has stopped functioning normally. Therefore, it is important to only use laxatives occasionally and not to rely on them regularly. If you are constantly needing to take laxatives, you should see your doctor and discuss longer-term solutions.

Stool softeners are a type of mild laxative that can provide relief from constipation. They are especially helpful for people who should avoid straining during a bowel movement due to health reasons, such as heart conditions or recent medical procedures. Stool softeners work by increasing the amount of water and fat absorbed by the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. They do not cause a bowel movement but allow the user to go without straining.

Stool softeners can be taken orally or rectally, usually at bedtime. They come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid, or syrup, or rectal enema. It can take between 12 to 72 hours for a stool softener to start working, and they should only be taken when needed. It is important to follow the directions on the packaging or as instructed by a healthcare provider. Side effects of stool softeners may include stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhoea. If you experience any of these side effects, or if the medicine does not relieve your constipation within a week, contact your doctor.

Natural stool softeners are also an option and include lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, getting regular exercise, and increasing daily fibre intake.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, stimulant laxatives can be habit-forming and harmful to your bowels if used for an extended period of time.

Common side effects of most laxatives include dehydration, which can cause lightheadedness, headaches, and darker urine. Using laxatives too often or for too long can also cause diarrhoea, intestinal obstruction, and an imbalance of salts and minerals in the body.

Natural alternatives to laxatives include increasing your daily fibre intake, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly.

Some common laxatives include Fybogel, lactulose, macrogol, bisacodyl, and senna.

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