
Laxatives are a common medication used to treat constipation. They work by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to move, making it easier to pass stool. While laxatives are available over the counter, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking them, especially for pregnant or nursing individuals.
For nursing individuals, the safety of taking laxatives depends on the type of laxative and the specific circumstances. For example, osmotic laxatives like MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) are considered safe for breastfeeding parents as the active ingredient is minimally absorbed into the body, resulting in very low levels passed on to the nursing infant. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to prioritize natural remedies, such as increasing water and fibre intake, before resorting to laxatives.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | Treat constipation, prepare the bowel before surgery or investigative procedures, treat hepatic encephalopathy |
Types | Bulk-forming, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, stimulants, prescription |
Availability | Over-the-counter, prescription |
Administration | Orally or rectally (in suppositories or enemas) |
Side effects | Cramping, nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, allergic reactions |
Precautions | Avoid in children, discuss with a doctor, ensure adequate hydration, do not exceed dosage |
What You'll Learn
Are there any safe laxatives to take while nursing?
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding. While some sources suggest that certain laxatives are safe to use while nursing, others advise against it.
Laxatives are medications used to treat constipation. They come in different forms, including over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives such as osmotics, fiber or bulk-forming, stool softeners, stimulants, and lubricants. The active ingredients in these laxatives vary, and some may be safer than others for nursing mothers.
Osmotic laxatives, such as lactulose, macrogols, and magnesium salts, work by pulling water into the intestines, softening the stool, and promoting peristalsis. They are generally not well-absorbed by the intestine, so the amount that passes into breast milk is expected to be low. However, mineral oil, a type of lubricant laxative, can enter the bloodstream and breast milk in greater amounts, so it should be used with caution while nursing.
Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Colace®) and glycerin, are also considered safe because they are not absorbed through the intestines and are therefore not expected to be present in breast milk. Bulk-forming or fiber laxatives, such as psyllium (Metamucil®) and methylcellulose (Citrucel®), are also unlikely to enter the bloodstream and are generally considered gentle and safe.
Stimulant laxatives, such as senna (Senokot®), bisacodyl (Correctol®), and castor oil, work by stimulating the nerves that control the muscles in the colon. These laxatives may cause stomach cramps and other side effects, so they should be used with caution. Castor oil, in particular, can cause severe diarrhea and cramping and is not recommended during pregnancy or nursing.
While the above information provides some guidance, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any laxative while nursing, as there may be risks associated with specific products or interactions with other medications. Additionally, it is always recommended to try lifestyle changes, such as increasing fluid intake and consuming more high-fiber foods, before resorting to laxatives.
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What are the side effects of taking laxatives while nursing?
While laxatives are generally considered safe for nursing mothers, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. The amount of medication that passes into breast milk is usually low, but mineral oil can enter the bloodstream and breast milk in greater amounts, so it should be used with caution. There have been reports of loose stools in infants exposed to laxatives through breastfeeding.
Laxatives can cause side effects such as abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Allergic reactions, including itching, hives, and rhinitis, can also occur. It is important to note that overuse of laxatives can lead to intestinal muscle and nerve response loss, resulting in dependency on the medication for bowel movements.
In addition, laxatives can interact with other medications, including heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications. It is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure the safe use of laxatives while breastfeeding.
Furthermore, bulk-forming laxatives should be taken with adequate fluids to prevent abdominal obstruction or impaction. Lubricant laxatives, if used long-term, may impair the absorption of nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins. Stimulant laxatives may cause muscle weakness, and prolonged diarrhoea may lead to low sodium levels in the blood, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.
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What are the alternatives to laxatives while nursing?
While laxatives can be a safe option for nursing mothers, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any new medication, including laxatives. There are also some natural alternatives to laxatives that may help with constipation while nursing.
Natural Alternatives to Laxatives
Before trying laxatives, it is recommended to try some natural methods to relieve constipation. These methods include:
- Increasing water intake: Drinking more water can help to soften stools and stimulate more frequent bowel movements.
- Increasing fibre intake: Consuming more high-fibre foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans, can help add bulk to stools and make them easier to pass.
- Probiotics: Taking probiotics can help improve digestive health and promote regular bowel movements.
- Regular exercise: Light to moderate exercise, such as walking, Pilates, or yoga, can help keep the muscles responsible for moving food through the digestive tract strong and prevent constipation.
It is important to note that these natural methods may take a few days to have an effect, so it is recommended to be patient and consistent with these lifestyle changes. If constipation persists or becomes severe, it is best to consult a healthcare provider for further guidance and recommendations.
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How do laxatives work?
Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They work by making changes to the digestive system that ease defecation. Laxatives can be taken orally or rectally (in the form of suppositories or enemas). They are available over the counter and on prescription.
There are several types of laxatives, including:
- Bulk-forming laxatives: These laxatives increase the volume of stools by drawing water into the colon, making the stools softer and bulkier. This stimulates the colon to contract and push out the stools. Bulk-forming laxatives are considered the gentlest type and are usually recommended as the first option. They include products such as psyllium (Metamucil®), polycarbophil (FiberCon®), and methylcellulose (Citrucel®).
- Osmotic laxatives: These laxatives pull water from other parts of the body into the colon, softening the stools and making them easier to pass. They include products such as polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®), magnesium hydroxide solution (Milk of Magnesia®), and glycerin (Colace Glycerin®).
- Stool softener laxatives: Also known as emollient laxatives, these work by increasing the water and fat content in stools, making them softer. An example is docusate (Colace®).
- Lubricant laxatives: These laxatives coat the colon, creating a slippery surface that prevents water absorption from the stools, keeping them soft. They also make the passage of stools easier. Mineral oil is an example of a lubricant laxative.
- Stimulant laxatives: These activate the nerves controlling the muscles in the colon, forcing it to move the stools along. They are typically used when other over-the-counter laxatives have not been effective. Examples include bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) and senna (Fletcher's® Laxative).
Laxatives should be used with caution and only as directed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. They are not recommended for long-term use as they can cause serious side effects and worsen constipation. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking laxatives, especially during pregnancy or when taking prescription medications.
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What are the different types of laxatives?
There are four main types of laxatives: bulk-forming laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softener laxatives, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives work by increasing the "bulk" or weight of faeces, which in turn stimulates the bowel. They are considered the gentlest type of laxative and are the least likely to cause side effects. They are often the best laxative to try first, unless a doctor recommends a different type. They include psyllium (Metamucil®), polycarbophil (FiberCon®), and methylcellulose (Citrucel®).
Osmotic laxatives
Osmotic laxatives draw water from the rest of the body into the bowel to soften faeces and make it easier to pass. They include lactulose (Duphalac®, Lactugal®), macrogol (Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol, Molaxole, Molative®), polyethylene glycol (Gavilax, MiraLAX®), magnesium hydroxide solution (Dulcolax, Ex-Lax, Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia), and glycerin (Colace Glycerin, Fleet Pedia-Lax®).
Stool softener laxatives
Stool softeners, also called emollient laxatives, increase the water and fat that faeces absorb, softening it. They include docusate (Colace®).
Lubricant laxatives
Lubricant laxatives coat the colon, making it slick. The coating prevents the colon from absorbing water from the faeces, so it stays soft and makes for a slippery passage that makes defecation easier. They include mineral oil, liquid paraffin, and arachis oil.
Stimulant laxatives
Stimulant laxatives, also called cathartics, activate the nerves that control the muscles in the colon. They force the colon into motion so it moves the faeces along. They include bisacodyl (Dulcolax®), senna (Fletcher's® Laxative, Senokot®), and dantron (limited to terminally ill patients due to possible carcinogenic effects).
Laxatives are available over the counter and are also available on prescription from a doctor. They can be taken orally or rectally (in suppositories or enemas). It is important to take laxatives exactly as instructed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a laxative?
Can I take a laxative while nursing?
What are the potential side effects of taking laxatives while nursing?
Are there any natural alternatives to taking laxatives while nursing?