Laxative Pills: What They Look Like And Why

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available in various forms, including liquids, tablets, capsules, powders dissolved in water, suppositories, and enemas. While the appearance of laxatives may vary, they all work to relieve constipation by increasing stool motility, bulk, and frequency. It is important to use laxatives safely and sparingly, as overuse can lead to problems, including chronic constipation.

Laxatives are available as tablets, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas, which are administered orally or via the rectum. Here's a detailed description of each type:

Tablets and Capsules

Laxatives in the form of tablets or capsules are typically swallowed with water. They are convenient and discrete, making them a popular choice for many people. These come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, depending on the brand and type of laxative. Some common tablet and capsule laxatives include stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and senna (Senokot).

Liquids

Liquid laxatives are another option, often coming in bottles or sachets containing a measured dose. These are usually mixed with water or another liquid before consumption. Liquid laxatives can be particularly useful for those who have difficulty swallowing pills. An example of a liquid laxative is lactulose, which is an osmotic laxative.

Suppositories

Suppositories are solid, pellet-shaped laxatives designed to be inserted into the rectum through the anus. They are usually individually wrapped and may resemble a small bullet or capsule. While not as pleasant as swallowing a pill, suppositories can provide faster relief from constipation.

Enemas

Enemas are liquid laxatives administered directly into the rectum and lower part of the gut (bowel) via the anus. They are typically used in cases of severe constipation to clear the lower bowel quickly. Enemas can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a doctor, depending on the severity of the constipation.

It is important to remember that laxatives should be used safely and sparingly, and one should always consult a healthcare professional if constipation persists or occurs alongside other symptoms.

They are used to treat constipation

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available over the counter in pharmacies and supermarkets, and on prescription from a doctor. They are usually taken orally as liquids, tablets, capsules, or powders dissolved in water, but can also be administered via the rectum in the form of suppositories or enemas.

There are four main types of laxatives: bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant, and faecal softeners. Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as fibre supplements, increase the bulk of stools in a similar way to fibre, by absorbing water. Osmotic laxatives, including lactulose and macrogols, draw water into the intestine, softening stools and making them easier to pass. Stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl and senna, stimulate the nerves and muscles in the large bowel, pushing stools along. Faecal softeners, such as arachis (peanut) oil enemas, work by wetting and softening stools.

Laxatives are typically taken for a short period, until constipation eases. They should be used sparingly and safely, as they can cause side effects such as bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and dehydration. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking laxatives, especially osmotic laxatives, to avoid dehydration.

Laxatives should not be used as a first-line treatment for constipation. Instead, lifestyle changes such as increasing fibre and fluid intake, taking probiotics, and exercising are recommended. If these changes do not help, laxatives may be considered.

There are four main types: bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant, and faecal softeners

Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation. They are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets, and are also available on prescription from a doctor. There are four main types: bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant, and faecal softeners.

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives work by increasing the "bulk" or weight of faeces, which in turn stimulates the bowel. They take 2-3 days to work and include Fybogel (ispaghula husk), psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel).

Osmotic Laxatives

Osmotic laxatives draw water from the rest of the body into the bowel to soften faeces and make it easier to pass. They also stimulate the muscles that line the gut, helping to move faeces along to the back passage. Osmotic laxatives take 2-3 days to work and include lactulose (Duphalac, Lactugal), macrogol (Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol, Molaxole, Molative), polyethylene glycol (Gavilax, MiraLAX), magnesium hydroxide solution (Dulcolax, Ex-Lax, Phillips' Milk of Magnesia), and glycerin (Colace Glycerin, Fleet Pedia-Lax).

Stimulant Laxatives

Stimulant laxatives are fast-acting and can stimulate the intestines into having a bowel movement. They often contain bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and sennosides (Senokot, Senna) as active ingredients.

Faecal Softener Laxatives

Faecal softener laxatives, also called emollient laxatives, work by letting water into faeces to soften it and make it easier to pass. They typically contain docusate sodium and docusate calcium as the active ingredients.

They can be bought from pharmacies and supermarkets or prescribed by a doctor

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription, or they can be prescribed by a doctor. They come in various forms, including tablets or capsules that are swallowed, sachets of powder that are mixed with water, suppositories that are inserted into the rectum, and liquids or gels that are placed directly into the rectum.

There are four main types of laxatives: bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant, and stool softeners. Bulk-forming laxatives, such as Fybogel (ispaghula husk) or Metamucil (psyllium), are usually recommended first. They contain fibre, which absorbs water, making the stool larger and softer, and stimulating the bowel to contract and move the stool along.

If bulk-forming laxatives don't work, osmotic laxatives like Lactulose or polyethylene glycol can be tried. These work through osmosis, drawing water into the bowel and softening the stool. Stool softeners, such as Colace, which contains docusate, work similarly by reducing the stool's surface tension, allowing more water to seep in.

If you're still constipated, stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl or senna may be needed. These work directly on the nerves controlling the bowel muscles, causing the bowel to contract and move the stool out faster, usually within 6 to 12 hours.

It's important to remember that laxatives should be used safely and sparingly. They can cause side effects like dehydration, bloating, and abdominal cramping. Before taking any laxative, it's recommended to consult a pharmacist or GP, especially if you're unsure which type to use or if your constipation persists despite trying different types.

They should be used sparingly and safely

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available in pharmacies and supermarkets, or on prescription from a doctor. They should be used sparingly and safely, and only when other lifestyle changes have not helped.

Laxatives are not suitable for everyone. They are not usually recommended for children or people with certain health conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. It is important to read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine to ensure it is safe for you to take.

Laxatives can be taken in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas. They work by increasing the bulk or weight of the stool, drawing water into the intestine, or stimulating the muscles in the gut. They can take anywhere from 6 hours to 3 days to work, depending on the type of laxative.

It is important to follow the directions on the product package or the doctor's advice when taking laxatives. Do not take more than the recommended dose, as this can be harmful and cause side effects. Laxatives should only be taken occasionally and for up to a week at a time. If your constipation does not improve after taking laxatives for a week, consult a doctor.

Side effects of laxatives may include dehydration, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, and weakness. These side effects are usually mild and should go away once you stop taking the laxative. However, if you experience any persistent or troublesome side effects, seek medical advice.

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