
Taking 25 laxatives will likely cause severe harm to your body. Laxatives are medicines that stimulate or facilitate bowel movements. They are typically used to treat constipation, which is characterised by infrequent bowel movements and difficult or painful passing of stools. While laxatives are readily available over the counter, they are not recommended as a first-line treatment for constipation. This is because they carry risks and can cause side effects such as abdominal cramps, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Taking an excessive amount of laxatives, such as 25 at once, can lead to a dangerous overdose, resulting in nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhoea, dehydration, and potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, it is crucial to use laxatives sparingly and only when necessary, and to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking them.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of laxatives considered an overdose | Varies depending on the type of laxative |
Common symptoms of an overdose | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea |
Other symptoms of an overdose | Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, drop in blood pressure, gastrointestinal irritation, painful bowel movements, choking or intestinal blockage |
Laxative abuse | Can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, worsened constipation, increased risk of UTIs, organ damage, and colorectal cancer |
Recommended treatment for constipation | Increasing fiber in the diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising |
What You'll Learn
Laxative overdose
Laxatives are a medication used to produce bowel movements and relieve constipation. They are not usually recommended as a first-line treatment for constipation. Instead, doctors suggest increasing fibre and fluid intake and exercising more.
The most common symptoms of a laxative overdose are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhoea. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are also common, especially in children. Laxatives containing magnesium can cause particularly severe symptoms, including impaired kidney function and coma. Other symptoms include:
- Drop in blood pressure
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Painful bowel movements
- Painful urination
- Aspiration pneumonia, caused by inhaling vomited stomach contents into the lungs
- Choking or intestinal blockage, caused by not taking enough fluids with the laxative
- Intestinal obstruction
If you suspect a laxative overdose, call your local emergency number or poison control centre. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional.
To prevent a laxative overdose, do not exceed the recommended or prescribed dose. Drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine, track bowel movements, and incorporate more movement and high-fibre foods into your diet.
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Side effects
While laxatives are a common treatment for constipation, they can have several side effects, especially if overused or misused.
The most common side effects of laxatives include:
- Dehydration, which can cause lightheadedness, headaches, darker urine, tremors, weakness, blurry vision, kidney damage, and even death in extreme cases.
- Diarrhea, which can lead to further dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- Intestinal obstruction, where stools become large and dry, blocking the bowels.
- Abdominal cramps.
- Increased constipation if not taken with enough water.
Laxative abuse or misuse can lead to more severe side effects and health complications, including:
- Electrolyte disturbances, particularly a deficiency in potassium, which is necessary for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the heart and colon.
- Mineral deficiencies.
- Long-term or permanent damage to the digestive system, including the nerves and muscles of the colon.
- Worsening of constipation due to damage to the nerves in the large intestine.
- Infections due to the stripping of protective mucus and beneficial bacteria from the intestines.
- Increased risk of colorectal cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this association.
- Rectal prolapse, where chronic severe diarrhea causes the inside of the intestines to protrude through the anal opening.
- Psychological and physical dependence on laxatives, leading to a need for higher doses over time.
- Combination of constipation, diarrhea, and gas, creating a vicious cycle of symptoms.
- Irritation of the rectum and anus, resulting in sores, bleeding, or pain during bowel movements.
- Impaired intestinal function, with a loss of normal muscle function and nerve response, leading to a "lazy colon".
- Emotional symptoms such as shame, irritability, and anxiety.
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Laxative misuse
Laxatives are meant to be used occasionally and for short periods of time. They are meant to help with constipation, but they are often misused as a way to lose weight or "feel thin". This is dangerous and can lead to a variety of health complications, and sometimes life-threatening conditions.
The health consequences of laxative misuse can be severe and include:
- Dehydration: Dehydration can cause tremors, weakness, blurry vision, fainting, kidney damage, and in extreme cases, even death.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus are necessary for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the colon and heart. An imbalance can affect these vital organs.
- Laxative dependency: Overuse of laxatives can lead to the colon stopping to react to usual doses, requiring larger and larger amounts to produce bowel movements.
- Internal organ damage: Laxative misuse can cause a stretched or "lazy" colon, colon infection, irritable bowel syndrome, and, rarely, liver damage. It may also increase the risk of colon cancer.
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Laxative dependency
Laxatives are medications used to treat constipation. They are generally considered safe for short-term use, but they can be dangerous if used in excess or for other purposes such as weight loss.
Laxative abuse can lead to severe health complications, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, intestinal obstruction, and damage to organs that interact with the digestive tract. Prolonged use can also cause the colon to become stretched and the muscle wall to become thin and flaccid. Furthermore, non-fibre-based laxative use has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
If you or someone you know is struggling with laxative dependency or misuse, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional. Treatment options may include therapy, mental health treatments, and adopting bowel-healthy lifestyle habits such as increasing water intake, consuming high-fibre foods, and getting regular exercise.
It is important to remember that laxatives are not recommended as a first-line treatment for constipation. Instead, healthcare professionals advise increasing fibre and fluid intake and engaging in physical activity to promote regular bowel movements.
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Laxative alternatives
While laxatives are a common go-to for constipation relief, they are not recommended as a first-line treatment. Gastroenterologists advise that making natural lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and increasing physical activity, can help reduce constipation and, therefore, the need for laxatives. Here are some laxative alternatives to consider:
Increase your daily fibre intake:
Fibre is essential for digestion and preventing constipation. Soluble fibre absorbs water in the gut to form a gel-like substance that helps soften stools. Insoluble fibre moves through the body intact, increasing the bulk of the stool for easier passage. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends consuming 14 grams of dietary fibre for every 1,000 calories. This means that a person following a 2,000-calorie diet should aim for 28 grams of fibre daily.
High-fibre foods include:
- Chia seeds
- Berries
- Legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, and peanuts)
- Flaxseeds
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, and cabbage)
- Apples
- Prunes
- Kiwi
- Oat bran
Stay hydrated:
Constipation often occurs because the colon has absorbed too much fluid from the waste in your intestines, resulting in dry and hard stools. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can prevent this by improving stool consistency and making it easier to pass. Aim for at least 2 litres of water per day.
Exercise regularly:
While the evidence is mixed, some studies suggest that exercise can help reduce constipation. For example, one study found that 30 minutes of brisk walking daily reduced constipation in middle-aged participants. Another study showed that exercise was specifically beneficial for patients with constipation-predominant IBS.
Try natural laxatives:
Some natural alternatives to over-the-counter laxatives include:
- Castor oil
- Senna (found in products like Ex-Lax and Senokot)
- Magnesium citrate
- Coffee
- Kefir (a fermented milk product containing probiotics)
- Psyllium (derived from the husk and seeds of the Plantago ovata plant)
- Sugar substitutes (e.g., sugar-free chewing gum with sorbitol)
Hot compresses and abdominal massage:
Applying heat to the lower back can help relax the muscles and increase blood flow, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with rest and digestion. Abdominal massage can also increase blood flow to the area, relieve stress, and stimulate the muscles of the colon, inducing contractions that push faeces through the digestive tract.
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Frequently asked questions
A laxative is a medicine used to stimulate or facilitate bowel movements.
Taking 25 laxatives would be considered an overdose and can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. It can also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be life-threatening.
If you or someone you know has taken an overdose of laxatives, call your local emergency number or poison control center immediately. Have the following information ready: the person's age, weight, and condition; the name, ingredients, strength, and amount of the product; the time it was swallowed; and whether it was prescribed.
Constipation can often be relieved by increasing fiber and fluid intake, as well as regular exercise. Making dietary and lifestyle changes can help treat and prevent constipation. It is recommended to speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking laxatives, especially if you are taking other medications or have an underlying health condition.