Who Can Buy Laxatives?

Laxatives are available to buy over the counter from pharmacies and supermarkets, and can also be bought online. They are a type of medicine used to treat constipation and empty the bowels of faecal matter. However, they are not suitable for everyone and should not be used as a long-term solution. They are also available on prescription from a doctor.

Laxatives are available over the counter and by prescription

There are several types of laxatives available, and they differ in terms of their active ingredients, mechanisms of action, and recommended use. Bulk-forming laxatives, for instance, are made from indigestible particles that absorb water, stimulating bowel movement. Examples of this type include Metamucil and Citrucel. Stool softeners, such as Colace, work by allowing water and fat to mix with the stool, making it softer. Stimulant laxatives, like Dulcolax, directly stimulate the intestinal nervous system and are intended for short-term use only.

While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they should not be the first line of treatment. It is recommended to try increasing fibre and fluid intake, engaging in regular exercise, and practising good bathroom habits before resorting to laxatives. Additionally, laxatives come with certain risks and side effects. Overuse or long-term use of laxatives can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other serious health issues. They may also mask symptoms of underlying health conditions that require medical attention.

Before taking any laxative, it is essential to read the directions on the label carefully and consult a doctor or pharmacist if there are any questions. This is especially important for individuals with chronic conditions or those taking prescription medications, as laxatives can interfere with the absorption of certain medicines and nutrients.

They are used to treat constipation and empty bowels before surgery

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription, but they can also be prescribed by a doctor. There are four main types of laxatives: bulk-forming, osmotic, poo-softener, and stimulant.

Bulk-forming laxatives work by increasing the weight of faeces, which stimulates the bowel. Osmotic laxatives draw water from the body into the bowel, softening the faeces and making it easier to pass. Poo-softener laxatives work in a similar way, letting water into the faeces to soften it.

Laxatives can be used to empty the bowels before surgery. This is known as mechanical bowel preparation or bowel prep. It is thought to decrease the risk of infection by reducing the bacterial load of the colon. Traditionally, this was achieved using osmotic agents, stimulant laxatives, or a combination of the two. However, recent data suggests that mechanical bowel preparation may not be necessary, and that dietary restrictions before surgery may also be unnecessary.

Laxatives can also be used to treat constipation, which can occur after surgery due to pain medications, anaesthesia, and reduced mobility. It is important to use gentle constipation relief after an operation, as straining to pass stool can compromise stitches or affect the body's healing processes. A doctor may prescribe a stool softener, such as docusate sodium (Colace), or a fibre laxative, such as psyllium (Metamucil or Konsyl) or methylcellulose fibre (Citrucel).

Side effects include dehydration, diarrhoea, and bloating

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available to buy over the counter from pharmacies and supermarkets, as well as on prescription from a doctor. They work by either softening stools or increasing their bulk with additional fibre, making them easier to pass.

While laxatives are a common solution for constipation, they can have side effects, including dehydration, diarrhoea, and bloating. Dehydration can occur because laxatives draw water from the rest of the body into the bowel, and this can cause lightheadedness, headaches, and darker urine. To avoid dehydration, it is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking laxatives. However, if you are taking a laxative, you should not drink too much, as this can lead to increased constipation.

Diarrhoea is a side effect of overuse or prolonged use of laxatives. It can also be caused by the use of enemas and suppositories, which work directly on the anus and are the fastest-acting type of laxative. In addition to diarrhoea, these types of laxatives can also cause bloating and stomach cramps.

Bloating can be a side effect of taking bulk-forming laxatives, which work by absorbing water to form a soft, bulky stool. Abrupt changes to fibre intake can also cause bloating, as the body adjusts to the new level of fibre. Bran and fibre can sometimes make bloating worse, so it is important to be mindful of this when taking laxatives.

Laxatives are not suitable for everyone, including children

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription, but they are not suitable for everyone. In particular, laxatives are not usually recommended for children unless advised by a doctor.

Constipation in children is common, but it is usually temporary and can often be resolved by making changes to their diet and bathroom routine. For example, increasing a child's fluid and fibre intake can help to soften stools and stimulate bowel movements. It is also important to encourage children to try and have a bowel movement after meals and to exercise regularly.

If dietary and lifestyle changes do not help with a child's constipation, it is important to speak to a doctor or pediatrician. They may recommend a different type of laxative or a stool softener, but it is not advisable to give a child any kind of laxative without medical approval. This is because laxatives can carry risks and may cause unpleasant side effects, such as dehydration, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.

In some cases, laxatives may be necessary to treat severe or chronic constipation in children. For example, PEG 3350 laxatives (such as Miralax) have been found to be effective in treating severe constipation, although there are concerns about the possible side effects of long-term use. In such cases, it is important to work with a doctor to determine the safest and most appropriate treatment option, and to use the smallest dose necessary to treat the constipation.

They should not be used for long-term treatment

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation and are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription. They can also be prescribed by a doctor. While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they should not be used for long-term treatment.

Firstly, laxatives are not a sustainable solution for constipation. They are intended for short-term use only, and long-term use may cause the body to become dependent on them to pass stool. This can result in decreased colon function and even worsen constipation. If an individual finds themselves dependent on laxatives, they should consult a doctor for advice on how to restore their colon's natural ability to contract.

Secondly, the overuse of laxatives can lead to several adverse side effects. These include electrolyte and mineral imbalances, which can impact the normal functioning of nerves and muscles, including those of the colon and heart. Additionally, severe dehydration may occur, leading to tremors, weakness, blurry vision, fainting, kidney damage, or even death. Other side effects may include diarrhoea, intestinal obstruction, and unbalanced salts and minerals in the body.

Thirdly, laxatives can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients. For example, lubricant laxatives can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins E, D, A, and K. This interference can lead to nutritional deficiencies and impact overall health.

Finally, laxatives can interact with other medications, including heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications. This interaction can potentially lead to harmful consequences. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking laxatives, especially if one is already on other prescribed medications.

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