Laxatives are a common medicine used to treat constipation. They work by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to move, making it easier to pass. While they are available over the counter, they should not be used daily or for extended periods as they can lead to laxative dependence and worsening constipation. They also carry the risk of side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps and can cause dehydration if not taken with enough water. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking laxatives, especially for those with chronic conditions, pregnant women, or individuals on prescription medications.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Definition | Substances that affect the digestive system by loosening stool and stimulating bowel movements. |
Use | To treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. |
Types | Bulk-forming, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. |
Availability | Over-the-counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. |
Forms | Pills, powders, liquids, syrups, suppositories, and enemas. |
Side Effects | Bloating, gas, stomach cramps, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, intestinal obstruction, and diarrhoea. |
Precautions | Not recommended for daily use, those with bowel obstruction issues, or those with chronic kidney or heart disease. |
What You'll Learn
Laxatives can be misused for weight loss
Laxatives are a class of drugs that help with bowel movements and are typically only taken short-term for constipation. However, an increasing number of people have started misusing them as a weight-loss strategy. This is a form of disordered eating that can lead to significant and life-threatening health consequences.
Laxatives work by either stimulating the bowels/digestive system or by manipulating stool, making it easier to pass. There are several types of laxatives, including:
- Lubricant laxatives: These coat the lining of the intestines and the stool to help things move along more easily.
- Bulk-forming laxatives: These absorb excess water in the intestines and add bulk to the stool to push things along.
- Stool softeners: These help the stool absorb more water, making hard stool easier to pass.
- Stimulant laxatives: These cause the muscles of the large bowel to contract, forcing out the stool.
- Osmotic laxatives: These help the colon retain more water to encourage more frequent bowel movements.
Many laxatives work by drawing water from the body into the large intestine, resulting in softer stools and more frequent bowel movements. This leads to a loss of water weight, which is often temporary and quickly regained when the person rehydrates. This misuse of laxatives does not result in effective weight loss and can cause substantial health issues.
The misuse of laxatives can lead to dehydration, which can range from mild symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and dizziness to more severe consequences like rapid heartbeat, altered mental state, and cold, clammy skin. In extreme cases, dehydration can lead to heart problems, kidney failure, and even death.
Another common impact of laxative misuse is electrolyte imbalance, which can cause a range of symptoms, including thirst, weakness, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, and heart palpitations. In severe cases, it can lead to confusion, seizures, or even coma.
Laxative misuse can also lead to gastrointestinal damage, liver damage, and an increased risk of colon cancer. It is also associated with eating disorders, particularly bulimia nervosa and purging-type anorexia nervosa.
Overall, while laxatives can be helpful in relieving constipation when used appropriately, misusing them for weight loss can have serious and potentially life-threatening health consequences. It is important to use laxatives as directed and only when needed for constipation.
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Laxatives may be unsafe for pregnant people
Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. They are generally safe to use and can be bought over the counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. However, laxatives may be unsafe for pregnant people.
Pregnant women often experience constipation due to physiological and anatomical changes in the gastrointestinal tract. While increasing dietary fibre and fluid intake, as well as daily exercise, are recommended as the first line of treatment, these methods are sometimes ineffective. In such cases, laxatives may be considered as a second line of treatment.
Although there are limited studies on the safety of laxatives during pregnancy, it is generally recommended that osmotic and stimulant laxatives be used only in the short term or occasionally to avoid dehydration or electrolyte imbalances in pregnant women. Bulk-forming agents, such as Metamucil, are considered safe for long-term use during pregnancy, but they may cause unpleasant side effects such as gas, bloating, and cramping.
It is important for pregnant women to consult their healthcare provider before taking any laxatives to ensure the safest course of action. Overuse of laxatives can lead to complications such as diarrhoea, fluid loss, and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, it is always best to try natural methods of relieving constipation before resorting to medication.
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Laxatives can cause side effects like bloating and gas
Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. While they are available over the counter, they should be taken as directed to prevent side effects such as bloating and gas.
Bloating and gas are common side effects of some types of laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives, for example, can cause flatulence and bloating. Osmotic laxatives, such as MiraLAX, can also cause gas, bloating, and nausea. These laxatives draw water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. The increased water in the intestines can also lead to a mild case of the runs.
Some stool softeners and lubricants can also cause bloating and gas. Mineral oil, for instance, can cause leakage.
Stimulant laxatives, such as senna and bisacodyl, can also cause bloating and gas. These laxatives trigger contractions in the bowels that push the stool along. However, they are generally recommended as a short-term treatment for constipation.
To avoid bloating and gas when taking laxatives, it is important to follow the instructions on the medication and be aware of potential side effects. Taking laxatives with plenty of fluids can also help reduce these side effects.
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Laxatives are not recommended for those with bowel obstructions
While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation by softening stools or stimulating bowel movements, they are not suitable for addressing bowel obstructions. In fact, taking laxatives when one has a bowel obstruction can be dangerous and even life-threatening. This is because laxatives work by drawing water into the stool to make it softer and easier to pass, or by stimulating contractions in the bowels to push the stool along. In the case of a bowel obstruction, these actions could potentially increase the pressure in the bowel, leading to a rupture or split.
For individuals with bowel obstructions, the recommended treatment options include medication, bowel rest, intravenous hydration, nasogastric tube insertion, and in severe cases, surgery. Medications such as antinausea medicines, pain relievers, and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage symptoms and prevent complications. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if one suspects a bowel obstruction, as early intervention can help prevent serious consequences.
While laxatives can be a helpful "plan B" for constipation, they are not a suitable solution for bowel obstructions. If an individual is experiencing constipation that is not relieved by laxatives or other lifestyle changes, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend alternative treatments or perform further evaluations to identify any underlying conditions causing the constipation.
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Laxatives are useful after surgery
Laxatives are often recommended to reduce the duration of postoperative ileus (POI), a common complication after abdominal surgery that can cause significant discomfort and lead to invasive interventions. POI can also impact short-term recovery, long-term survival, and quality of life. Additionally, healthcare costs are almost twice as high for patients who develop POI compared to those who do not.
While laxatives can be beneficial in this context, it is important to note that they should not be the first option for relieving constipation. Lifestyle changes, such as eating high-fiber foods, taking probiotics, drinking more fluids, and exercising, are typically recommended first. If these measures do not help, then laxatives may be considered.
When using laxatives, it is crucial to follow the instructions carefully to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and dehydration. It is also important not to overuse laxatives, as this can lead to complications such as electrolyte imbalance, chronic constipation, and intestinal blockage.
In summary, laxatives can be useful after surgery, especially major abdominal surgery, to reduce the time taken to pass stool and manage constipation. However, they should be used cautiously and in conjunction with other lifestyle changes to ensure optimal recovery without adverse effects.
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