Laxatives: How Do Magnesium, Alumina, And Magnesia Work?

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation or to empty the bowel before a medical procedure. They work by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to move, making it easier to pass stool. Laxatives are typically used when lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, or exercising, have not helped with constipation. While they are available over the counter, they should be used sparingly and with caution, as long-term use without medical supervision can lead to dehydration and other side effects.

Laxatives treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels

Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation. They are often used if lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly, have not helped.

Laxatives work by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving so you can pass stools. They come in different forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas.

There are several types of laxatives that work by softening stools:

• Bulk-forming laxatives increase the "bulk" or weight of the stool by drawing water from the body into the bowel, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Examples include Fybogel (ispaghula husk) and psyllium (Metamucil).
• Osmotic laxatives also draw water from the body into the bowel to soften the stool. They usually take 2-3 days to work. Examples include lactulose (Duphalac) and macrogol (Movicol).
• Stool softener laxatives, also known as emollient laxatives, increase the water and fat absorbed by the stool, making it softer. An example is docusate (Colace).
• Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, coat the colon and prevent water from being absorbed from the stool, keeping it soft and making it easier to pass.

Stimulant laxatives are another type of laxative that works by stimulating the bowels. These laxatives activate the nerves that control the muscles in the colon, forcing it to move the stool along. Examples of stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and senna (Senokot).

Laxatives are available without a prescription, but should be used with caution

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available over the counter from pharmacies and supermarkets, as well as online, without a prescription. However, they should be used with caution.

Laxatives are typically used when lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, and exercising, have not helped with constipation. They work by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. There are several types of laxatives, including bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants.

While laxatives are easily accessible, it is important to exercise caution when using them. They should only be used occasionally and for short periods, such as up to a week at a time. It is recommended to stop taking laxatives once your constipation improves. Continuous use of laxatives can lead to dependency and cause side effects such as dehydration, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps.

It is also important to note that laxatives are not suitable for everyone. They are generally not recommended for children unless advised by a doctor. Additionally, individuals with certain health conditions, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, should exercise caution when considering laxatives. Before taking laxatives, it is advisable to read the patient information leaflet and consult a healthcare professional to ensure their safe and proper use.

Bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants are common types

Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. They are available over the counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online, and they can also be bought on prescription from a doctor.

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives are generally considered the gentlest type of laxative and are often the best option to try first. They increase the bulk or weight of the stool by adding soluble fibre, which draws water from the body into the stool, making it bigger, softer, and easier to pass. They usually take 12 hours to three days to work. Examples include:

• Psyllium (Metamucil®)
• Polycarbophil (FiberCon®)
• Methylcellulose (Citrucel®)
• Fybogel (ispaghula husk)
• Macrogol (Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol, Molaxole, Molative)

Osmotics

Osmotic laxatives draw water from the body into the bowel to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. They usually take two to three days to work. Examples include:

• Polyethylene glycol (Gavilax®, MiraLAX®)
• Magnesium hydroxide solution (Dulcolax®, Ex-Lax®, Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia)
• Glycerin (Colace Glycerin®, Fleet Pedia-Lax®)
• Lactulose (Duphalac, Lactugal)
• Macrogol (Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol, Molaxole, Molative)

Stool Softeners

Stool softeners, also called emollient laxatives, increase the water and fat content of the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. They can be taken in capsule, tablet, liquid, and syrup form. An example is:

Docusate (Colace®)

Lubricants

Lubricant laxatives coat the colon, making it slippery and preventing the absorption of water from the stool, so it stays soft. An example is:

Mineral oil

Stimulants

Stimulant laxatives activate the nerves that control the muscles in the colon, forcing the colon into motion and moving the stool along. They usually have an effect within six to 12 hours. Examples include:

• Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®)
• Senna (Fletcher's® Laxative, Senokot)

Laxatives can be taken as pills, powders, liquids, suppositories, or enemas

Laxatives are medicines that help treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. They are available in various forms, including pills, powders, liquids, suppositories, and enemas, each with its own set of advantages and potential side effects.

Pills, for instance, are the most convenient and straightforward option as they are taken orally, just like any other medication. They are typically available in capsule or tablet form. Powders, on the other hand, offer a more flexible dosing option as they can be mixed with water or other liquids, making them easier to consume for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.

Liquids, or syrups, are another variation of laxatives that can be measured out and consumed directly. They are often favoured for their fast-acting properties, similar to enemas and suppositories. Enemas are usually found in small squeezable tubes, and the medicine is injected into the anus by squeezing the tube. Suppositories, meanwhile, are tiny dissolvable capsules that are inserted directly into the anus. These two methods are the fastest-acting, providing relief within minutes to an hour, but they also carry a higher risk of side effects such as diarrhoea and stomach cramps.

Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, are often recommended before laxatives

Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation. They are often recommended if lifestyle changes, such as changes in diet and exercise, have not helped. Before taking laxatives, it is advisable to try and improve your diet and exercise routine to aid your digestive system. Here are some ways to do that:

Diet

• Eat more fruits and vegetables: These contain healthy nutrients and fibre, which support your digestive system and lower your risk of constipation.
• Choose whole grains and nuts: Whole grains retain the dietary fibre, iron, antioxidants, and other healthy nutrients lost when grains are refined to make processed foods. Fibre lowers your risk of constipation, and some whole grains support your good gut bacteria. Good choices include brown rice, oatmeal, popcorn, whole wheat products, and barley.
• Limit red and processed meats: Processed meats usually contain an unhealthy amount of sodium, fat, and nitrates linked to colon cancer. Red meat has been linked to cancer, heart disease, and digestive issues.
• Limit added sugars: Too much sugar can upset the balance of good bacteria and cause inflammation. Added sugars are found in many products, especially baked goods, ice cream, and desserts, as well as in processed foods like pasta sauces, salad dressings, and soups.
• Eat foods with probiotics: Probiotics are healthy bacteria that keep bad bacteria in check and nourish your gut for healthy digestion. Good choices include yogurt, kimchee, raw apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, and sauerkraut.

Exercise

• Take a walk after meals: Walking helps food move through your digestive system faster, reducing the risk of nausea, bloating, and constipation.
• Do 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily: This can be yoga, Qigong, or any other physical movement that improves constipation symptoms.
• Try core exercises: Sit-ups or crunches can help boost your digestive health and reduce bloating and gas build-up.
• Try pelvic floor activation: If you experience fecal incontinence, pelvic floor exercises can help fix your pelvic floor muscles, which will assist with defecation and bladder control.

Frequently asked questions