Dollar-Store Laxatives: Effective Or Not?

Laxatives from dollar stores such as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Amazon have received mixed reviews. Some people claim that they work effectively and gently, while others complain about experiencing stomach pain, chills, and diarrhoea. It is important to note that laxatives should not be used regularly unless directed by a doctor.

Dollar laxatives can be effective

Laxatives from dollar stores can be effective. For instance, the Assured BISACODYL Laxative, 5 mg, 25 Enteric Coated tablets Blister Pack is available at Dollar Tree and has received positive reviews from customers. One customer review states that it is "gentle on your stomach" and "doesn't make your stomach hurt". Another customer review mentions that it is a "good value for this product".

The generic Dulcolax laxative, also available at Dollar Tree, has also received positive reviews. One customer mentions that it "works quickly and helps do the job needed". Another customer mentions that their family "uses these all the time and they work great".

In addition, the DG Health Senna Laxative Tablets, 100 Ct. have been positively received by customers. One customer mentions that it is a "great value for the money".

Overall, these reviews suggest that dollar store laxatives can be effective and offer a good value for the price. However, it is important to note that individual experiences with laxatives may vary, and it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new medication.

They may cause stomach pain

Laxatives purchased from dollar stores may cause stomach pain. While some people have reported positive experiences with these products, others have experienced adverse side effects, including severe abdominal cramps, chills, and stomach pain.

One user reported that they experienced severe abdominal cramps about six hours after taking a laxative. They described the sensation as peristalsis waves and recommended relaxing and breathing through them rather than tightening up. Another user reported similar side effects, including chills and stomach pain, and stated that they would never take the laxative again.

It is important to note that individual responses to laxatives can vary. While some people may find relief from constipation, others may experience more intense and uncomfortable side effects. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any laxative or other medication, especially if you have noticed a sudden change in bowel habits or are experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Additionally, laxatives may interact with other medications, so it is crucial to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other drugs. They can advise you on the appropriate timing and dosage to minimise the risk of adverse effects. Furthermore, laxatives should be used with caution and only for a short period, typically not exceeding one week, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.

They can be bought at Dollar Tree

Laxatives are available at Dollar Tree, both in-store and online. The product "Assured (12 packets) BISACODYL, 5 mg Laxative, 25 Enteric Coated tablets Blister Pack" is available at Dollar Tree and has received positive reviews from customers. One review states that the product "really works" and is "worth every penny". Another review highlights that the product is a good alternative to other brands, as it does not cause stomach pain.

Dollar Tree also offers a liquid laxative called "Magnesium Citrate by ASSURED". This product is designed to relieve occasional constipation and generally produces a bowel movement within half an hour to six hours. It is important to note that this product is not recommended for long-term use without consulting a doctor.

In addition to Dollar Tree, other dollar stores such as Family Dollar and Dollar General also offer laxatives. For example, Family Dollar offers "Dulcolax Coated Laxative Tablets", which are also available in a pack of 25. Similarly, Dollar General offers "DG Health Senna Laxative Tablets" in a pack of 100.

While laxatives can be purchased at dollar stores, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using any medication, including laxatives, to ensure safe and effective use.

They are enteric-coated tablets

Laxatives are available at dollar stores, and they do work. For example, Assured BISACODYL Laxative, 5 mg, 25 Enteric-Coated tablets are available at Dollar Tree. Reviews for this product are mixed, with some people reporting that it works too well, causing diarrhea for several days, and others saying that it is gentle and works well.

Enteric-coated tablets are coated with a polymer that prevents them from dissolving in acid. The stomach is very acidic, with a pH of around 1, while the small intestine has a pH of around 6.6, which is more basic. An enteric coating allows tablets to pass through the stomach intact and dissolve in the less acidic small intestine to be absorbed. This is important because some drugs need to be protected from the acid in the stomach to work properly in the body.

Enteric coatings are used for several purposes:

• Maintaining the stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are unstable when exposed to the acidic conditions of the stomach. Examples of these APIs include erythromycin, pancreatin, and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole (Prilosec).
• Minimizing the side effects that can occur with APIs such as aspirin and certain nonsteroidal inflammatory compounds, including nausea, gastric irritation, and bleeding.
• Creating opportunities for "night-time dosing" strategies, where the dosage form is consumed at bedtime, and effective blood levels of the API are attained just before waking.
• Facilitating colonic drug delivery.

Enteric-coated products should not be dissolved, cut in half, chewed, or crushed before consumption because this can damage the coating and allow the medicine to be dissolved by acid in the stomach.

They can be habit-forming

Laxatives can be habit-forming, and their long-term use can lead to tolerance and eventual habituation. This is induced by damage to the colon or an adaptive mechanism that counteracts the laxative's effect on motility or secretion. The habit-forming property of laxatives is most commonly observed in the chronic use of stimulant laxatives like anthraquinones, sennosides, and bisacodyl. These stimulant laxatives can cause neuronal injury or damage to the colonic musculature.

The ubiquitous availability of laxatives, combined with their relatively low cost, increases their potential for abuse and misuse. The length of time of laxative abuse can lead to degenerative changes and serious impairment of coordinated peristalsis of the gut. This impairment may lead to functional disorders of intestinal transport mechanisms, potentially developing into acquired hypoganglionosis.

Bulk-forming laxatives are not habit-forming and are recommended for long-term use. They increase the fecal mass by stimulating peristalsis and are suitable for patients with small, hard stools. However, they are not ideal for those seeking immediate relief from constipation, as they take time to increase fecal mass. Lubricant laxatives, such as liquid paraffin, are also not habit-forming and are well-tolerated. They act by reducing water absorption and softening the stool, allowing for easier passage.

Osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol and milk of magnesia, are not known to lead to habit-forming behaviors. They work by drawing water into the intestinal lumen, resulting in softer and more frequent stools.

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