Family Dollar's Laxative Options: What's Available And What Works

Family Dollar sells laxatives, including the Family Wellness laxative powder, which is used to relieve constipation and generally produces a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days. The product contains polyethylene glycol 3350 and is unflavoured. Family Dollar also sells Miralax laxative powder, which is also unflavoured.

Family Wellness Laxative Powder

Directions for Use

The recommended dosage for adults and children aged 17 and above is filling the bottle cap to the indicated line (marked as 17 grams) and pouring it into 4 to 8 ounces of any beverage. The powder should be stirred and dissolved completely in the liquid before consumption. It can be mixed with hot, cold, or room-temperature drinks such as water, juice, coffee, tea, or smoothies. It is advised to use this product once a day for no longer than 7 days. For children under 16 years of age, consult a doctor before use.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not use this product if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol. If you have kidney disease, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks, consult a doctor before use. This product may cause loose, watery, and more frequent stools. Discontinue use and seek medical help if rectal bleeding or worsening nausea, bloating, cramping, or abdominal pain occurs, as these may be signs of a serious condition.

Customer Reviews

Overall, Family Wellness Laxative Powder is a reliable and gentle solution for occasional constipation, offering a larger quantity at a competitive price compared to similar products on the market.

Miralax Laxative Powder

Family Dollar sells MiraLAX Laxative Powder, which is a gentle laxative designed to relieve occasional constipation without causing harsh side effects. Here are some key features and benefits of the product:

How it Works

MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative that works by hydrating and softening the stool, making it easier to pass through the colon. It works naturally with the water in your body and does not stimulate the nerves like some other laxatives, providing a gentle relief without sudden urgency.

Directions for Use

The recommended dose for adults and children aged 17 and above is 17 grams of powder mixed into 4 to 8 ounces of hot or cold beverage. The bottle cap is marked with a fill line to indicate the correct dose. The powder can be mixed into various liquids, including water, juice, coffee, tea, or smoothies. It has no added taste or grit, making it easy to consume.

Benefits

MiraLAX is the #1 doctor-recommended over-the-counter brand of laxative and has been since it was first introduced to the market in 2007. It is known for providing effective relief from constipation without causing harsh side effects such as gas, bloating, cramping, or sudden urgency. It generally produces a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of use.

Customer Reviews

Laxatives for constipation

Laxatives are a medication that can help to relieve constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels. They are usually available without a prescription, but it is important to use them safely and sparingly, and only when really needed. Constipation can usually be relieved through lifestyle changes, such as eating more fibre, taking probiotics, drinking more fluids and exercising.

Types of Laxatives

There are several types of laxatives, which come in different forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories and enemas. Each type has specific benefits and side effects. The main types are:

• Bulk-forming laxatives: These add soluble fibre to the stool, making it bigger and softer, which stimulates the colon to push the stool out. These are the gentlest type and least likely to cause side effects.
• Osmotic laxatives: These pull water from the body into the colon, softening the stool.
• Stool softener laxatives: These increase the water and fat absorbed by the stool, making it softer.
• Lubricant laxatives: These coat the colon with a layer of mineral oil, preventing water absorption from the stool, keeping it soft and making it easier to pass.
• Stimulant laxatives: These stimulate the nerves and muscles in the colon, forcing it to move the stool along.

Using Laxatives Safely

Laxatives should be used with caution and only as directed. They can cause side effects such as bloating, gas and stomach cramps. Overuse can lead to more serious complications such as chronic constipation, intestinal blockage and electrolyte imbalance. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when using laxatives to avoid dehydration. They should not be used long-term as they can cause the body to lose its natural ability to defecate and can also delay diagnosis of more serious conditions, such as colon cancer, diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Laxatives for children

Laxatives are medications that can help treat constipation in children. They are typically used when lifestyle changes, such as increasing water and fibre intake, are not effective. Constipation is common in children, and most cases are not due to any serious medical cause. However, it can be a worrying issue for parents.

There are several over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives that are considered safe for children. Polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax) is the first-choice treatment for constipation in children. It is tasteless, and children generally tolerate it well. It must be taken daily and usually takes 1-2 days to show results. It can be used for children older than six months.

Lactulose is another type of osmotic laxative that is safe for all ages, including infants younger than six months. It is less effective than Miralax but can be used as an alternative if Miralax is unavailable.

Bulking agents, such as psyllium (Metamucil) and calcium polycarbophil (Fibercon), are fibre supplements that increase water absorption in the stool, resulting in larger and softer stools. They are safe for daily use and can take several days to provide relief.

Stool softeners like docusate (Colace) increase the amount of water and fat in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. They can take 12-72 hours to be effective and are not recommended for daily, long-term use.

Stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax), increase intestinal movement to help children pass stools. They are generally well-tolerated and usually take effect within 6-8 hours.

Lubricants like mineral oil help stools slide out more easily. They can be administered orally or rectally and typically take 1-2 days to show results. They are used for children over three years old.

Rectal therapies, including suppositories and enemas, are placed in the rectum and produce results within minutes. They are effective for stool removal but are not recommended for regular or long-term use.

While laxatives are generally safe for children, it is important to consult a medical professional before administering them. In some cases, laxatives should be used with caution or avoided due to potential side effects and medical history.

Laxatives during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Family Dollar does sell laxatives, including Miralax unflavored laxative powder.

Now, here is some information on the use of laxatives during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Laxatives During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and experiencing constipation, it is recommended that you first try to address the issue through dietary and lifestyle changes. This includes eating more fibre, drinking plenty of fluids, and doing gentle exercise. If these changes do not help, consult your doctor or midwife, who may recommend a laxative such as lactulose or Fybogel. These laxatives are commonly used during pregnancy and are considered safe. Senna is another option that is occasionally used during pregnancy, although it is recommended to try other types of laxatives first due to the greater body of evidence supporting their safety.

Laxatives While Breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding and experiencing constipation, it is still recommended to first try addressing the issue through dietary and lifestyle changes. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine the best course of action. If your doctor or midwife confirms that your baby is healthy, you may take senna while breastfeeding. Only tiny amounts of senna pass into breast milk, which are unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby. However, if your baby experiences diarrhoea or is not feeding as usual, consult a healthcare professional.

General Precautions

It is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medications, including laxatives, to ensure they are appropriate for your specific situation. While laxatives can be beneficial in treating constipation, they may also cause side effects such as stomach cramps. Additionally, when used in excess, laxatives can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies by reducing the time food spends in the intestines, which in turn reduces the absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, laxatives can affect the absorption of other medications.

Other Considerations

It is not known if using laxatives can make it harder to conceive. Miscarriages can occur for many reasons, and it is challenging to determine whether a medication, a medical condition, or other factors are the cause. Studies have not found a link between laxative use and an increased chance of miscarriage. Similarly, there is no evidence that taking laxatives during the first trimester increases the chance of birth defects. However, using more than the recommended amount of laxatives can lower the levels of essential salts in the blood, such as magnesium, which may have implications for the newborn.

In summary, while laxatives can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is crucial to consult healthcare professionals and follow their recommended dosages to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

Frequently asked questions