Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They work by softening stools, increasing their bulk with additional fibre, or stimulating the bowels to get moving. They are available over the counter and without a prescription in most cases, though prescription laxatives are also available. Laxatives are typically taken orally in the form of liquids, tablets, or capsules, but can also be administered rectally through suppositories or enemas.
Laxatives are not suitable for everyone and should be used sparingly and only when necessary. They can cause side effects such as abdominal cramps, dehydration, and bloating. Prolonged or excessive use of laxatives can lead to intestinal obstruction, diarrhoea, and electrolyte imbalances. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking laxatives to avoid dehydration.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Definition | A medicine that stimulates or facilitates bowel movements |
Types | Bulk-forming, osmotic, stool softener, lubricant, stimulant, prokinetic, saline, prescription |
Forms | Pills, capsules, tablets, liquids, gels, suppositories, enemas, powders |
Uses | Constipation relief, bowel cleanse before a procedure |
Availability | Over-the-counter, prescription |
Side Effects | Bloating, gas, stomach cramps, dehydration, diarrhoea, intestinal obstruction, electrolyte imbalance, chronic constipation |
Precautions | Not suitable for children, pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions; can interact with other medications |
What You'll Learn
Laxatives can be taken orally or rectally
Laxatives are drugs that relieve constipation by loosening stools or inducing a bowel movement. They can be taken orally or rectally.
Oral laxatives include pills, capsules, liquids, foods, gums, powders, and syrups. They can be taken with food or drink, or on their own. Some oral laxatives include:
- Osmotics, such as Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, which draw water into the colon to make the passage of stool easier.
- Bulk formers, such as Metamucil, which absorb water to form a soft, bulky stool.
- Oral stool softeners, such as Colace, which make hard stools softer and easier to pass.
- Stimulants, such as Dulcolax, which trigger contractions in the intestinal muscles to encourage bowel movements.
Rectal laxatives include suppositories and enemas. Suppositories are tiny dissolvable capsules that are inserted directly into the anus. Enemas are small squeezable tubes that are injected into the anus. Rectal laxatives have a higher risk of side effects, such as diarrhea and stomach cramps, but they work faster than oral laxatives, providing relief within minutes to hours.
It is important to follow the instructions when taking laxatives to prevent side effects and reduce the risk of complications. Laxatives should only be used occasionally and for short periods of time. They are not recommended for daily use or for weight loss. If you are experiencing constipation, it is advisable to make lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake, drinking more fluids, and exercising regularly, before resorting to laxatives. If constipation persists or is chronic, consult a healthcare professional.
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They are available over the counter or on prescription
Laxatives are available over the counter or on prescription. They are used to treat constipation, which is characterised by infrequent bowel movements (fewer than three per week) and difficulty passing stools. If you are experiencing constipation, it is recommended that you first try to address it through lifestyle changes, such as eating more fibre, drinking more fluids, and exercising more. If these changes do not help, you may want to try an over-the-counter laxative.
There are several different types of laxatives available over the counter, including:
- Osmotics: These laxatives help make the passage of stool easier by drawing water into the colon.
- Bulk formers: These work by absorbing water to form a soft, bulky stool, which stimulates the colon to contract and push out the stool.
- Oral stool softeners: These make hard stools softer and easier to pass.
- Stimulants: These encourage bowel movements by triggering contractions of the intestinal muscles.
- Rectal suppositories: These are inserted rectally and soften the stool while triggering contractions of the intestinal muscles.
It is important to carefully read the label and follow the directions when taking over-the-counter laxatives. They can have side effects such as bloating, gas, and abdominal cramping, and taking too much can be dangerous. It is also important to be aware of potential interactions with other medications. If over-the-counter laxatives are not effective for you, or if you have a chronic condition causing constipation, you may need a prescription laxative.
Prescription laxatives are typically used for chronic constipation, including constipation associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or the use of certain medications, such as opioids. Some examples of prescription laxatives include:
- Lactulose (Duphalac)
- Linaclotide (Linzess)
- Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
- Prucalopride (Prudac, Motegrity)
- Plecanatide (Trulance)
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They are not suitable for everyone
Laxatives are not suitable for everyone and should be used with caution. They are not a first-choice treatment for constipation and should only be used if lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, and exercising, have not helped.
Laxatives are not recommended for children unless advised by a paediatrician. Pregnant women should also consult a healthcare provider before taking laxatives. People who are breastfeeding should be aware that some ingredients can pass into breast milk and cause problems for the baby, so they should also consult a doctor before taking them.
People taking prescription medications should be cautious about using laxatives, as they can interact with certain heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications. Those with chronic conditions that cause constipation, such as diverticulosis, should be especially careful, as frequent or long-term laxative use can worsen constipation by decreasing the colon's ability to contract.
It is important to read the label and follow the instructions when taking laxatives, as overuse can lead to intestinal muscle and nerve response loss, which can result in dependency on laxatives for bowel movements. Laxatives can also cause side effects such as bloating, gas, and dehydration, and in some cases, more severe side effects such as severe cramps, weakness, skin rash, or swallowing difficulties. If side effects occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
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They can be misused
Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating bowel movements. They are generally safe and available over the counter or without a prescription. However, they can be misused, particularly by those with eating disorders, to achieve a certain body weight or body image. This misuse can lead to serious health complications and even life-threatening conditions.
Laxative misuse occurs when an individual repeatedly uses laxatives to eliminate unwanted calories, lose weight, or "feel empty." It is often associated with people who have body dysmorphia or eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The belief that laxatives can help with weight control is a myth. By the time a laxative acts on the large intestine, most foods and calories have already been absorbed by the small intestine. Laxatives only cause the loss of water, minerals, electrolytes, and indigestible fiber and wastes from the colon. This can lead to dehydration, disturbance of electrolyte and mineral balances, and internal organ damage, including colon infection, irritable bowel syndrome, and, rarely, liver damage. Chronic laxative misuse may even contribute to the risk of colon cancer.
The prevalence of laxative abuse among individuals with eating disorders ranges from approximately 10% to 60%. However, it is not limited to this group. Middle-aged or older individuals may begin using laxatives for constipation and continue to overuse them due to the belief that daily bowel movements are necessary for good health. Athletes engaged in certain sports with set weight limits may also misuse laxatives. Additionally, some individuals use laxatives to induce diarrhoea, which may be related to a factitious disorder.
The stimulant class of laxatives is the most frequently abused due to its quick action. Individuals with eating disorders may erroneously believe that stimulant laxatives can help them avoid calorie absorption by causing diarrhoea. However, this misuse can lead to medical problems, including electrolyte and acid/base changes that can involve the renal and cardiovascular systems and become life-threatening. When laxative use is discontinued, the renin-aldosterone system becomes activated, leading to oedema and acute weight gain, which can reinforce further laxative abuse.
Treating laxative misuse requires identifying the underlying causes, such as an eating disorder or misinformation about healthy bowel habits. Stopping the use of stimulant laxatives and replacing them with fibre or osmotic supplements to establish normal bowel movements is often the first step in treatment. Psychiatric treatment is essential for individuals with eating disorders to lessen their reliance on laxatives as a method to alter weight and shape.
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They can cause side effects
Laxatives are medicines that stimulate or facilitate bowel movements. They are available over the counter and by prescription. They can be taken orally or rectally. While laxatives are a good way to relieve constipation, they can also cause side effects.
The side effects of laxatives depend on the type of laxative and how you take it. For example, enemas and suppositories, which are inserted directly into the rectum, can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps. On the other hand, gentler types of laxatives, like bulk-forming laxatives, are less likely to cause side effects but may take longer to work.
- Bloating and gas: This is a common side effect of many types of laxatives, including bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners.
- Dehydration: Laxatives that draw water into the colon, such as bulk-forming laxatives and osmotics, can cause dehydration if not taken with enough water. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as feeling weak, having darker urine, and experiencing lightheadedness and headaches.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Diarrhea caused by overuse of laxatives can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, which can be dangerous, especially for those with heart or kidney problems.
- Increased constipation: If not taken with enough water, some types of laxatives can actually make constipation worse.
- Dependency: Overuse of laxatives can lead to dependency, where the colon stops reacting to usual doses and larger doses are required to have a bowel movement.
- Intestinal issues: Overuse of laxatives can cause the intestines to lose muscle and nerve response, leading to intestinal obstruction where stools become large and dry.
- Interaction with other medications: Laxatives can interact with certain heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications.
- Other severe side effects: In rare cases, laxatives can cause severe side effects such as severe cramps or pain, weakness or unusual tiredness, skin rash or itching, and swallowing difficulty.
To avoid side effects, it is important to take laxatives as directed, drink plenty of fluids, and not take more than the recommended dose. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
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Frequently asked questions
Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation. They stimulate or facilitate bowel movements and are available in different forms such as pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas.
There are several types of laxatives, and they work in different ways. Some common types include:
- Bulk-forming laxatives: These increase the bulk or weight of stools by absorbing water, stimulating bowel movements.
- Osmotic laxatives: These draw water into the colon, softening the stool and making it easier to pass.
- Stool softener laxatives: These add moisture to stools, making them softer and easier to pass.
- Stimulant laxatives: These trigger contractions in the intestinal muscles, speeding up bowel movements.
Laxatives are generally safe when used occasionally and as directed. However, they can have side effects such as bloating, gas, and dehydration. Prolonged or excessive use of laxatives can lead to health complications, including intestinal obstruction, electrolyte imbalance, and dependency on laxatives.
Constipation can often be relieved by making dietary and lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of fluids, and regular exercise.
Laxatives should be taken occasionally and for a short period, typically up to a week at a time. It is important to follow the instructions on the medication and not exceed the recommended dose. If constipation persists, consult a healthcare professional.