Sneaking Laxatives: Stealth Strategies And Dangers

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation and can be bought over the counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. They are also available on prescription from a doctor. There are four main types of laxatives: bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant, and stool softener laxatives. They work by softening stools, increasing the bulk of stools with additional fibre, or stimulating the muscles in the gut to speed up bowel movements. Laxatives can cause side effects such as abdominal cramps, dehydration, and diarrhoea, especially if taken too frequently or for too long. They should be used sparingly and only when necessary.

Laxatives without a prescription

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation by helping you empty your bowels. They are available over the counter, without a prescription, from pharmacies and supermarkets.

There are four main types of laxatives:

Bulk-forming laxatives

These increase the bulk or weight of your faeces by helping them retain fluid, which in turn stimulates your bowel. They are considered the gentlest type of laxative and are usually the best option to try first. They include ispaghula husk, methylcellulose, psyllium, polycarbophil, and Metamucil.

Osmotic laxatives

Osmotic laxatives draw water from the rest of the body into your bowel to soften faeces and make it easier to pass. They include lactulose, polyethylene glycol, magnesium hydroxide solution, glycerin, and Milk of Magnesia.

Stimulant laxatives

These speed up the movement of your bowels by stimulating the nerves that control the muscles lining your digestive tract. They include bisacodyl, senna, sodium picosulfate, and Dulcolax. Stimulant laxatives are the harshest type of laxatives and should not be used for more than a few days as they can cause the bowel to lose its muscle tone.

Stool softener laxatives

Stool softeners increase the fluid content of hard, dry stools, making them easier to pass. They include arachis oil, docusate sodium, Colace, and Pedia-Lax.

Alternative laxatives

There are also a number of alternative laxatives that are less commonly used, including bowel cleansing solutions, peripheral opioid-receptor antagonists, linaclotide, and prucalopride.

It is important to note that laxatives are not suitable for everyone and should be used with caution. They are not usually recommended for children unless advised by a doctor. Before using laxatives, carefully read the patient information leaflet to ensure they are safe for you, and never take more than the recommended dose as this can be harmful.

Laxatives from pharmacies and supermarkets

Laxatives are a type of medicine that can help treat constipation. They are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets, as well as online, without a prescription. However, it is important to note that laxatives are not suitable for everyone and should only be used occasionally and for a short period of time. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a laxative to be used regularly, but this should be supervised by a medical professional.

There are four main types of laxatives: bulk-forming, osmotic, stool softener, and stimulant. Bulk-forming laxatives work by increasing the weight of the stool, which stimulates the bowel. Osmotic laxatives draw water from the body into the bowel, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. Stool softener laxatives allow water and fat to be absorbed into the stool, making it softer. Stimulant laxatives stimulate the muscles in the bowel, helping to move the stool along.

When choosing a laxative, it is recommended that adults first try a bulk-forming laxative. If this does not work, try an osmotic laxative in addition to or instead of the bulk-forming laxative. If the stool is soft but still difficult to pass, try taking a stimulant laxative in addition to a bulk-forming laxative. It is important to read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication to ensure it is safe for you to take and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid side effects and overdose.

Some common over-the-counter laxatives include:

• Fybogel (bulk-forming)
• Lactulose (osmotic)
• Dulcolax (stimulant)
• Colace (stool softener)

Laxatives for chronic constipation

Laxatives are medicines that help treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels. They are usually available over the counter and come in various forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas. However, it is important to use laxatives sparingly and only under a doctor's care, as misuse or overuse can lead to chronic constipation and other health complications.

For those suffering from chronic constipation, here are some detailed instructions on how to secretly get and use laxatives:

• Consult a doctor: While laxatives can be purchased over the counter, it is always recommended to consult a doctor first, especially for chronic constipation. A doctor can advise on the most suitable type of laxative and provide guidance on dosage and timing. They will also rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing constipation.
• Understand the different types of laxatives:

• Bulk-forming laxatives (fiber supplements): These add soluble fiber to the stool, drawing water into the colon and making it softer and easier to pass. Examples include psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel).
• Osmotic laxatives: Osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX, Gavilax), pull water from other body parts into the colon, softening the stool. Magnesium-based osmotic laxatives like magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) and magnesium citrate (Citroma) are also effective.
• Stool softener laxatives: Also known as emollient laxatives, these increase the water and fat absorption of the stool, making it softer. An example is docusate (Colace).
• Lubricant laxatives: Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, coat the colon, preventing water absorption from the stool and making it slippery for easier passage.
• Stimulant laxatives: Stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot), activate the nerves controlling the colon muscles, forcing the stool to move along.

• Purchase laxatives discreetly: To keep your purchase discreet, you can opt for online pharmacies or choose stores that offer self-checkout lanes. When purchasing online, use private browsing mode and ensure the website is secure and reputable. Consider the packaging size and whether it can be easily concealed when making your purchase.
• Follow instructions and be patient: Always read and follow the instructions on the laxative packaging. Take the recommended dosage at the specified times and with any necessary precautions, such as taking it with food or drink. Be patient, as some laxatives may take a few days to take effect.
• Manage side effects: Laxatives can cause side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. To minimise these, drink plenty of fluids, and follow the instructions on the package. If you experience severe side effects, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
• Prevent dependency and overuse: Laxatives should only be used for a short period, as directed by your doctor. Prolonged use can lead to laxative dependency, where the body loses its natural ability to defecate. Overuse can also cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and chronic constipation.
• Address underlying issues: Chronic constipation may be a symptom of a more serious health condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, diabetes, or hypothyroidism. It is important to address these underlying issues with the help of a medical professional.
• Consider alternative treatments: In addition to laxatives, there are other treatments for chronic constipation, such as pelvic muscle training (biofeedback) and prescription medications like lubiprostone (Amitiza) or linaclotide (Linzess). A doctor can advise on the best course of treatment.

Remember, while laxatives can provide relief from chronic constipation, they should be used cautiously and only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Laxatives for children

Laxatives are a group of medications designed to relieve constipation, making it easier to pass hard stools. They are available in oral and rectal forms. Oral medications may be pills or a powder that you mix with water and drink. Rectal laxatives are in the form of suppositories and enemas.

There are four main types of laxatives:

• Stool softeners: These add moisture to the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.
• Osmotic laxatives: Osmotic laxatives increase the water in the intestines, helping hard stool pass more easily.
• Lubricant laxatives: Lubricant laxatives coat the stool, making it slippery and easier to pass.
• Stimulant laxatives: These work to stimulate the rectal muscles and help push the stool out.

It is important to note that laxatives should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Before giving your child a laxative, be sure to consult their doctor.

• Fletcher's Liquid Laxative for Kids: This is a stimulant laxative that promotes bowel movements and can provide relief within 6 to 12 hours. It has a root beer flavor that makes it appealing to most children. The active ingredient is senna pod concentrate, which is a gentle alternative to senna leaf.
• Mommy's Bliss Baby Constipation Ease Organic: This is a medication-free option suitable for infants from six months or older. It provides relief through a combination of prune concentrate, organic fennel, and prebiotics to support digestive health.
• MiraLAX Mix-In Laxative Powder: This laxative has a neutral taste, texture, and odor, and it mixes easily into any drink. The active ingredient, polyethylene glycol 3350, has been safely used in adults and is recommended by healthcare professionals for children as well.
• Dulcolax Kids Soft Chews Saline Laxative: These soft chews are suitable for children aged 4 years and older. They are stimulant-free, reducing the chance of uncomfortable side effects like cramping. The active ingredient is magnesium hydroxide.
• Pedia-Lax Laxative Liquid Glycerin Suppositories: These suppositories provide fast constipation relief within 15-60 minutes and are well tolerated with minimal side effects. They are recommended for children aged 2-5 years.
• MaryRuth's Organics Kids Magnesium Calm Gummies: While not specifically a laxative, this natural supplement contains magnesium citrate, which helps ease constipation by pulling water into the intestines. It is recommended for children aged 2 years and older.

Laxatives and their side effects

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available over the counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online, and can also be prescribed by a doctor. They work by softening hard stools or stimulating the bowels to move, making it easier to pass stool.

There are several types of laxatives, including bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. Each type has its own mechanism of action and specific benefits, but they all aim to relieve constipation. For example, bulk-forming laxatives increase the weight of the stool, stimulating the bowel to pass it out. Osmotic laxatives draw water from the body into the bowel, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. Lubricant laxatives coat the colon with a slick layer, preventing water absorption and keeping the stool soft.

While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they should be used with caution as they can cause side effects. One of the most common side effects is dehydration, which can lead to symptoms such as feeling lightheaded, headaches, and dark-colored urine. This is because some types of laxatives, like bulk-forming laxatives and osmotics, draw water from the body to soften stools. To prevent dehydration, it is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking these types of laxatives.

Other possible side effects of laxatives include bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. These side effects can occur when there is an abrupt increase or change in dietary fiber intake. Additionally, overuse or long-term use of laxatives can lead to more severe complications, such as chronic constipation, intestinal blockage, and an imbalance of salts and minerals in the body. Laxatives can also interact with other medications, including heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications, so it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking them.

It is recommended to only take laxatives occasionally and for a short period, such as up to a week. They should not be used as a long-term solution for constipation. If constipation persists or becomes chronic, it is important to consult a healthcare provider, as it may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.

Frequently asked questions