Laxatives: What Do They Look Like?

Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation and come in many different forms. They are available to buy over the counter in pharmacies and supermarkets, or online, and are also available on prescription from a doctor. Laxatives can come in the form of pills, capsules, tablets, powders, liquids, gels, suppositories, and enemas. They work by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving so you can pass them.

Laxatives come in different forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They come in various forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas. Each form has distinct advantages and potential side effects. While swallowing a pill is more convenient and pleasant than using a suppository or enema, the latter options often provide faster relief.

Pills and capsules are oral laxatives that come in tablet or capsule form. They are easy to take and can be found over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. Oral laxatives are typically taken with water or other liquids and are available in various brands, such as Metamucil, Citrucel, Colace, and Dulcolax.

Liquids or syrups are another form of oral laxatives. They are typically measured and consumed directly or mixed with other liquids. Liquid laxatives are convenient for those who have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules. Examples include milk of magnesia and glycerin, which are osmotic laxatives that draw water into the intestines to soften stools.

Suppositories are solid, bullet-shaped laxatives that are inserted into the rectum. They are designed to dissolve and release the medication directly into the rectum, providing faster relief compared to oral laxatives. However, they may be less convenient and comfortable for some individuals.

Enemas are liquid laxatives administered through small tubes inserted into the rectum. They deliver the medication directly into the lower bowel, making them the fastest-acting option. However, enemas may be the least pleasant and convenient option for most people.

It is important to follow the instructions on the medication and consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist when taking laxatives to ensure safe and effective use.

They are available over the counter or by prescription

Laxatives are available over the counter or by prescription. They are used to treat constipation and can be bought in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. They may be labelled as laxatives, stool softeners, or fibre supplements.

Most laxatives are available without a prescription and are generally used to treat occasional or short-term constipation. However, taking them for extended periods can cause side effects and even worsen constipation. Common over-the-counter laxatives include:

• Bulk-forming laxatives (fiber supplements): These laxatives add soluble fibre to the stool, drawing water from the body to make it softer and easier to pass. Examples include psyllium (Metamucil®), polycarbophil (FiberCon®), and methylcellulose (Citrucel®).
• Osmotic laxatives: Osmotic laxatives pull water from the body into the colon, softening the stool. Examples include polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®), magnesium hydroxide solution (Dulcolax®, Ex-Lax®, Phillips' Milk of Magnesia), and glycerin (Colace Glycerin®, Fleet Pedia-Lax®).
• Stool softener laxatives: Stool softeners, also known as emollient laxatives, increase the water and fat absorption of the stool, making it softer. An example is docusate (Colace®).
• Lubricant laxatives: Lubricant laxatives coat the colon, making it slippery and preventing water absorption from the stool. An example is mineral oil.
• Stimulant laxatives: These laxatives activate the nerves controlling the muscles in the colon, forcing it to move the stool along. Examples include bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) and senna (Fletcher's® Laxative).

You may need a prescription laxative if over-the-counter options are ineffective or if you have a chronic condition causing constipation, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or if you are taking opioids. Prescription laxatives include:

• Lactulose (Duphalac®)
• Linaclotide (Linzess®)
• Lubiprostone (Amitiza®)
• Prucalopride (Prudac, Motegrity®)
• Plecanatide (Trulance®)
• Lactulose (Cephulac, Kristalose®)
• Lactitol (Pizensy™)
• Methylnaltrexone (Relistor®)
• Naloxegol (Movantik®)
• Naldemedine (Symproic®)

Laxatives come in various forms, including pills, powders, liquids, suppositories, and enemas. It is important to follow the instructions on the medication to ensure safe and effective use, as overuse can lead to complications.

Laxatives are not suitable for everyone

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available over the counter in pharmacies and supermarkets, as well as on prescription from a doctor. However, laxatives are not suitable for everyone and should be used with caution.

Firstly, laxatives are not recommended for children unless advised by a doctor. This is because a child's digestive system is still developing and may be more sensitive to the effects of laxatives. In addition, some laxatives can interact with other medications, so it is important to speak to a healthcare provider before giving a laxative to a child.

Secondly, people with certain health conditions should also avoid laxatives or use them with caution. For example, those with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may not be suitable candidates for laxative use. This is because these conditions can cause inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, and laxatives may further irritate the gut or interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Similarly, people with kidney or heart problems should be cautious when using laxatives, particularly those that draw water into the bowels, as this can affect the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body.

Moreover, laxatives should not be used as a long-term solution for constipation. They are generally recommended for occasional or short-term use and should not be taken for more than a week without medical supervision. This is because the body can become dependent on laxatives for bowel movements, and overuse can lead to side effects such as dehydration, intestinal blockage, and electrolyte imbalances. In addition, laxatives do not treat the underlying cause of constipation and may delay diagnosis and proper treatment. Therefore, it is important to make lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre and fluid intake and exercising regularly, to prevent constipation.

Overall, while laxatives can be an effective short-term solution for constipation, they are not suitable for everyone and should be used with caution. It is always best to speak to a healthcare provider before taking laxatives, especially for those with existing health conditions or children.

They should be used sparingly and safely

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 taking regular exercise, have not helped. They are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets, or on prescription from a doctor.

Laxatives are not suitable for everyone and are not usually recommended for children (unless advised by a doctor) or people with certain health conditions, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. It is important to check with a healthcare provider before taking laxatives if you are pregnant or on prescription medication. Never give a child a laxative unless their doctor recommends it.

Laxatives should be taken exactly as instructed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and dehydration. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking laxatives, as they can cause dehydration. 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. Stop taking them when your constipation improves. If your constipation has not improved after a week, speak to a doctor.

Laxatives are a short-term solution, and taking them for long periods can cause side effects and even worsen constipation. They treat the symptoms of constipation but not the cause. It is better to treat constipation by making lifestyle changes, such as eating high-fibre foods, taking probiotics, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising.

There are several types of laxatives, including bulk-forming, osmotic, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They work by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving so you can pass them.

Bulk-forming Laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives are often recommended as the first option to treat constipation. They work by increasing the "bulk" or weight of the stool, which stimulates the bowel. These laxatives contain soluble fibre, which draws water from the body into the stool, making it bigger, softer, and easier to pass. Examples of bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil®), polycarbophil (FiberCon®), and methylcellulose (Citrucel®). They are considered the gentlest type of laxative and are least likely to cause side effects. However, they can take a few days to provide relief.

Osmotic Laxatives

Osmotic laxatives work by pulling water from the body into the colon, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. They typically take 2-3 days to work. Examples of osmotic laxatives include polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX® or Gavilax®), magnesium hydroxide solution (Dulcolax®, Ex-Lax®, Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia), and glycerin (Colace Glycerin®, Fleet Pedia-Lax®).

Stool Softeners

Stool softeners, also known as emollient laxatives, work by increasing the water and fat absorbed by the stool, making it softer. An example of a stool softener is docusate (Colace®). They can be taken in capsule, tablet, liquid, or syrup form and are usually taken at bedtime.

Lubricant Laxatives

Lubricant laxatives coat the colon, making it slippery. This coating prevents the colon from absorbing water from the stool, keeping it soft and making it easier to pass. Mineral oil is an example of a lubricant laxative. It is important to note that mineral oil should not be taken for more than a few days as it can interfere with vitamin absorption and can cause pneumonia if inhaled.

Stimulant Laxatives

Stimulant laxatives are typically used when other over-the-counter options have not been effective. They work by activating 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 (Fletcher's® Laxative).

It is important to take laxatives as directed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Additionally, it is recommended to make lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising, before resorting to laxatives.

Frequently asked questions