Laxatives: Double Dose Danger And Side Effects

Laxatives are a medicine used to produce bowel movements and relieve constipation. While they can be effective when used appropriately, taking too many laxatives can have serious health consequences and lead to an overdose. An overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine, which can be accidental or intentional. The most common symptoms of a laxative overdose include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. More severe symptoms include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, kidney damage, and even death. Those most at risk of experiencing severe symptoms include young children, adults older than 55, and people with certain health conditions.

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances

Laxatives can also cause electrolyte imbalances, which can be life-threatening. Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium are essential minerals that ensure the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the heart. Electrolyte imbalances can cause tremors, vomiting, urinary tract infections, kidney failure, muscle spasms, and heart attacks, which can be fatal.

Children are more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances from laxative overdose than adults. The FDA has received reports of severe dehydration and abnormal electrolyte levels in individuals who took more than the recommended dose of laxatives or multiple doses per day.

Those most at risk for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances include young children, adults over 55, individuals who are already dehydrated, those with kidney disease, bowel obstructions, or bowel inflammation, and patients taking medications that affect kidney function, such as diuretics or certain blood pressure and pain medications.

FDA warnings

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the dangers of taking more than the recommended dose of laxatives, especially those containing sodium phosphate. This ingredient can cause dehydration and abnormal levels of electrolytes in the blood, which can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage and even death. The FDA has received reports of severe side effects and even deaths linked to the overuse of these products. As a result, the FDA recommends that people carefully read the labels on laxatives and not exceed the recommended dosage.

The FDA warns that certain groups of people are at higher risk of experiencing harmful side effects from taking too many laxatives. These include young children, adults older than 55, and individuals with certain health conditions, such as dehydration, kidney disease, bowel obstructions, or bowel inflammation. The FDA also advises that people taking other medications that affect kidney function, such as diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin, should be cautious when using laxatives.

In addition, the FDA recommends that caregivers do not give laxatives to children aged 5 and younger without consulting a healthcare provider first. Healthcare providers should also exercise caution when considering oral doses of these products for very young children. The FDA further states that enema versions of laxatives should never be administered to children under 2 years old.

The FDA's warnings also highlight the potential misuse of laxatives by individuals with eating disorders. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, people with eating disorders may misuse laxatives following eating binges, mistakenly believing that the medications will prevent the absorption of food and calories. The FDA advises individuals with eating disorders or inflammation of the colon to consult a doctor before taking laxatives.

Furthermore, the FDA warns that taking too many laxatives over time may weaken bowel muscles, leading to constipation. The FDA recommends contacting a doctor if one experiences symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, reduced urine output, and lightheadedness after taking laxatives, as these may be signs of dehydration. The FDA also advises seeking medical attention if one experiences symptoms of kidney injury, such as drowsiness, sluggishness, and swelling of the ankles, feet, and legs.

Laxatives and eating disorders

Laxatives are a form of medication used to treat constipation. They are available over the counter without a prescription. However, laxative misuse is common among people with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. This occurs when individuals attempt to eliminate unwanted calories, lose weight, or "feel empty" through repeated, frequent use of laxatives. The National Eating Disorders Association states that people with eating disorders often misuse laxatives because they mistakenly believe that the medications will rush out food and calories before they can be absorbed. This is a myth, as by the time laxatives act on the large intestine, most nutrients have already been absorbed by the small intestine. As a result, the weight loss caused by laxative misuse is primarily due to the loss of water, minerals, electrolytes, and indigestible fibre and wastes from the colon.

The health consequences of laxative misuse can be severe and dangerous, sometimes leading to life-threatening conditions. Dehydration is a common side effect, which can cause tremors, weakness, blurry vision, fainting, and in extreme cases, death. Additionally, the loss of essential minerals such as potassium can disrupt the function of vital organs, including the heart. Potassium plays a vital role in heart function, and a deficiency can lead to an irregular heartbeat. Laxative misuse can also lead to laxative dependency, where the colon stops reacting to usual doses, requiring larger amounts to produce bowel movements. This can result in internal organ damage, including a stretched or "lazy" colon, colon infection, irritable bowel syndrome, and, in rare cases, liver damage. Chronic laxative misuse may even contribute to the risk of colon cancer.

To overcome laxative misuse, individuals should seek help from a team of health professionals with expertise in treating eating disorders, including physicians, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and dieticians. Support from friends and family can also be beneficial. It is important to note that the belief that laxatives are effective for weight control is a myth, as they do not reduce body mass, fat, or tissue. Instead, they can cause serious health complications and should only be used as directed to treat constipation.

Symptoms of an overdose

Laxatives are a medicine used to produce bowel movements and treat constipation. A laxative overdose occurs when someone takes more than the recommended amount of this medicine, which can be accidental or purposeful. Most overdoses in children are accidental, but some people take overdoses to lose weight.

The most common symptoms of a laxative overdose include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are also common, especially in children. A drop in blood pressure is another possible symptom.

Products containing castor oil can cause gastrointestinal irritation, while mineral oil can cause aspiration pneumonia, where vomited stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs. Laxatives containing methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polycarbophil, or psyllium may cause choking or intestinal blockage if not taken with enough fluids.

Laxatives that alter magnesium levels can cause particularly severe symptoms, including impaired kidney function and coma. Overdosing on laxatives can also lead to serious kidney and heart problems.

If you suspect an overdose, do not induce vomiting as the person is likely already dehydrated. Call your local emergency number or poison control center for help.

Treatment for an overdose

A laxative overdose occurs when someone takes more than the recommended amount of this medicine. This can be accidental or on purpose. If you suspect an overdose, call your local emergency number (e.g. 911 in the US) or your local poison control centre. Poison control can be reached by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional.

At the hospital, the patient's vital signs will be monitored, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, heart function, and blood pressure. The patient may receive blood and urine tests, breathing support, ECG, intravenous fluids, and medicines to treat symptoms.

How well a person recovers depends on the type of laxative swallowed, how much was swallowed, and how much time passed before treatment was received.

Laxative overdose can cause serious health complications, including:

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Kidney damage
• Heart problems
• Coma
• Death

Frequently asked questions