How Ex-Lax Helps With Constipation

what does exlax do

Ex-Lax is a laxative medication used to treat constipation. It helps to produce a bowel movement by increasing the movement of the intestines and helping stool to pass. It is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, powders, and granules, and is typically taken by mouth with water. Ex-Lax should not be used for more than one week unless directed by a doctor, and it may cause side effects such as allergic reactions, skin rash, itching, and hives.

Characteristics Values
Purpose Treats occasional constipation
Generic Name Sennosides Chewable Tablets
Drug Class Laxatives
Active Ingredient Sennosides
Dosage 25 mg
Age Group Adults and children 12 years of age and older
Dosage Frequency 2 tablets once or twice daily
Time to Effect 6 to 12 hours
Administration Oral, chew well before swallowing
Drug Interactions May affect other medications, take 2+ hours before or after other drugs
Usage Duration Not more than 1 week unless directed by a doctor
Side Effects Allergic reactions, skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Overdose Get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center

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Ex-Lax relieves constipation

Ex-Lax is a stimulant laxative that treats occasional constipation. It is available in tablet form and is taken by mouth. The active ingredient in Ex-Lax is Sennosides, which helps the muscles in the intestines move stool, thus producing a bowel movement. This medication is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and older. The dosage for adults and children 12 years and older is 2 tablets once or twice daily. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the dosage is 1 tablet once or twice daily. It is important to note that Ex-Lax should not be given to children under 6 years old unless directed by a doctor.

Ex-Lax is meant to be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. It is recommended to take Ex-Lax with a full glass of water and to drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquid daily. Additionally, this medication should be taken on an empty stomach, 2 or more hours before or after consuming other drugs. It is important to follow the directions on the product label and not to take Ex-Lax more often than directed.

Ex-Lax generally produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours of taking the medication. However, it is important to discontinue use and consult a doctor if rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement occurs after using Ex-Lax, as these may be signs of a serious condition. Furthermore, Ex-Lax should not be used for more than 1 week unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.

It is important to note that Ex-Lax may have side effects, and users should be aware of potential allergic reactions, such as a skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Other side effects include dark yellow, orange, red, or brown urine, which usually do not require medical attention unless they persist or become bothersome. If you experience any side effects, it is important to report them to your healthcare provider.

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It is a stimulant laxative

Ex-Lax is a stimulant laxative that treats constipation by helping the muscles in your intestines move stool, thus producing a bowel movement. It is also used to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination or surgery.

Ex-Lax is available in different forms, including liquid-filled capsules, delayed-release tablets, chewable tablets, granules, liquid, powder, and coated tablets. It is important to follow the instructions on the medicine label or the doctor's advice when taking Ex-Lax. It is usually recommended to take Ex-Lax on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, and it is essential to drink enough liquids throughout the day.

The dosage of Ex-Lax depends on age and varies from one to two tablets per dose for adults and children over 12 years of age. For children aged 6 to 12, the dosage is typically half of that for adults. It is not recommended to give Ex-Lax to children under 6 years old without consulting a doctor.

It is important to note that Ex-Lax should not be taken for more than a week unless directed by a doctor. Additionally, it should not be used when abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting are present, and it should be discontinued if rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement occurs, as these may be signs of a more serious condition.

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It is available in tablet form

Ex-Lax is available in tablet form, with the active ingredient being sennosides. The tablets are designed to be swallowed whole with a glass of water. They should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. This is because doing so can destroy the coating on the tablet, increasing the risk of stomach upset and nausea. Ex-Lax tablets are typically taken once or twice daily, and the dosage depends on the age of the person taking them. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dose is two tablets once or twice daily. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the dose is one tablet once or twice daily. Children under 6 years of age should not take Ex-Lax tablets unless directed by a doctor.

The tablets are designed to treat constipation and may also be used to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination or surgery. They work by keeping water in the intestines, stimulating intestinal movement, and helping stool to pass. It usually takes 6 to 12 hours for the medication to produce a bowel movement. It is important to follow the directions on the product package or the advice of a doctor when taking Ex-Lax tablets. They should not be taken for more than 7 days unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Ex-Lax tablets come in different strengths and package sizes. They are available in regular and maximum strength, with the maximum strength tablets containing 25 mg of sennosides, 40 mg of calcium, and 5 mg of magnesium. The tablets are sealed in blister packets, with each tablet individually sealed to ensure safety and effectiveness.

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It should not be taken for longer than one week

Ex-Lax is a stimulant laxative used to treat constipation. It is available in the form of chewable tablets, dissolving strips, or liquid. The medication works by keeping water in the intestines, which causes increased movement of the intestines, helping the stool to come out.

Ex-Lax should not be taken for longer than one week unless directed by a doctor. Prolonged use of Ex-Lax can lead to serious side effects. The medication is designed for short-term relief of constipation and is not meant to be a long-term solution. Overuse of Ex-Lax can cause an imbalance in the body's fluid and electrolyte levels, leading to dehydration and other health complications.

Additionally, the body can become dependent on laxatives if they are used for an extended period. This can result in the body being unable to initiate a bowel movement without the use of laxatives. It is important to allow the body to resume its natural bowel function and not interfere with this process for longer than a week.

Furthermore, prolonged use of Ex-Lax can mask underlying health conditions. If constipation persists or gets worse despite the use of Ex-Lax for a week, it could indicate a more serious medical issue that requires further investigation and alternative treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor if constipation symptoms do not improve or worsen after a week of using Ex-Lax.

In summary, Ex-Lax is a safe and effective medication when used as directed for the short-term relief of constipation. However, it is important to follow the recommended duration of use to avoid potential health risks and ensure the medication is used appropriately and effectively.

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It should not be taken with other medications

Ex-Lax is a medication used to treat constipation and to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination or surgery. It should not be taken with other medications. There are 214 drugs known to interact with Ex-Lax, along with 4 disease interactions. Of the total drug interactions, 213 are moderate, and 1 is minor.

Ex-Lax should not be taken within 2 hours of other medications. This is because laxatives may affect how other drugs work. It is important to take this product 2 or more hours before or after other drugs to avoid any potential interactions.

If you are taking any other medications, it is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first checking with your doctor.

Some products that may interact with Ex-Lax include medications that decrease stomach acid, such as H2 blockers (e.g. ranitidine) and proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole). It is important to note that this list is not all-inclusive, and other drug interactions may occur. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Ex-Lax with other medications.

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Frequently asked questions

Ex-Lax is a stimulant laxative used to treat constipation. It helps to produce a bowel movement by increasing the movement of the intestines.

Ex-Lax generally produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours of taking the medication.

Ex-Lax should be taken as directed by a doctor or as instructed on the product packaging. It is recommended to take the medication by mouth with a full glass of water, swallowing the tablet whole without crushing, breaking, or chewing it. It is best taken on an empty stomach, and it is important to stay well-hydrated by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of liquid daily.

Ex-Lax may cause side effects such as stomach pain or cramps, nausea, diarrhoea, and weakness. It is important not to use Ex-Lax for more than 1 week unless directed by a healthcare professional. Do not take Ex-Lax if you have abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, or if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits lasting over 2 weeks. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications, consult a doctor or pharmacist before using Ex-Lax.

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