General Laxative: How It Works And What It Does

Laxatives are medicines that help people to empty their bowels and treat constipation. They work by loosening stools and increasing bowel movements. Laxatives are available in various forms, including liquids, tablets, capsules, suppositories, and enemas, and can be administered orally or rectally. They can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription, depending on the type and severity of constipation. It is important to use laxatives safely and sparingly, as they can have side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps, and overuse can lead to chronic constipation.

Laxatives are used to treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating bowel movement

Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation. They work by loosening stools and increasing bowel movements. Constipation is often characterised by struggling to poop, hard or dry stools, and the feeling that your bowels are not empty even after passing a stool.

Laxatives are typically used when lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, and taking regular exercise, have not helped with constipation. They are available over the counter, without a prescription, and can be bought from pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. However, laxatives are not suitable for everyone, and it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking them, especially if you are pregnant, giving them to a child, or taking other medications.

There are several types of laxatives, including:

• Bulk-forming laxatives: These increase the bulk or weight of the stool, stimulating the bowel. They are often considered the gentlest type of laxative and are recommended as a first-line treatment. Examples include Metamucil, Citrucel, and FiberCon.
• Osmotic laxatives: These draw water from the body into the colon, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. They usually take 2-3 days to work. Examples include MiraLAX and Lactulose.
• Stool softener laxatives: These increase the water and fat content of the stool, making it softer. Stool softeners are a type of emollient laxative. An example is Colace.
• Lubricant laxatives: These coat the colon with a slippery substance, preventing water absorption and making it easier for the stool to pass. An example is mineral oil.
• Stimulant laxatives: These stimulate the nerves and muscles in the colon, forcing it into motion and moving the stool along. Examples include Dulcolax and Senna.

It is important to note that laxatives should only be used occasionally and for short periods of time. They should be taken as directed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Overuse of laxatives can lead to complications like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, chronic constipation, and intestinal blockage.

They come in various forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas

Laxatives are medicines that help people have a bowel movement if they are constipated. They come in various forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas. Each type of laxative has specific benefits and possible side effects.

Pills, capsules, and powders: Laxatives in these forms are taken by mouth and can be purchased over the counter. They are typically used to treat occasional or short-term constipation and should be taken as directed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, or stomach cramps. Examples include psyllium (Metamucil®), polycarbophil (FiberCon®), and methylcellulose (Citrucel®).

Liquids or syrups: These laxatives are also taken by mouth and can be measured out and drunk. They may be faster-acting than pills or capsules, but they also come with a greater risk of side effects such as diarrhea and stomach cramps. An example is magnesium hydroxide solution (Dulcolax®, Ex-Lax®, Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia).

Suppositories: Suppositories are tiny dissolvable capsules that are inserted directly into the rectum. They are often used for more immediate relief from constipation, acting within 15 minutes to one hour. However, they come with a higher risk of side effects such as diarrhea and stomach cramps.

Enemas: Enemas are small squeezable tubes that are injected into the rectum. They are used for severe constipation and can clear the bowel quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes. Like suppositories, they carry a higher risk of side effects.

While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they should not be the first option. Lifestyle changes, such as eating high-fiber foods, taking probiotics, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising, are usually the best way to address constipation.

There are different types of laxatives, such as bulk-forming, osmotic, and stimulant

Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by loosening stools and increasing bowel movements. They can be taken to soften hard stools or stimulate the bowels to get moving. Laxatives are available in many forms, including pills, powders, liquids, suppositories, and enemas. They can be taken orally or rectally.

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as roughage, are substances that add bulk and water to stools. They absorb liquid in the intestines, creating a bulky, more liquid-like stool that is softer and easier to pass. These laxatives are considered the gentlest and are the least likely to cause side effects. They are often recommended as the first line of treatment for constipation. Common bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel).

Osmotic Laxatives

Osmotic laxatives, including saline laxatives, pull water from other parts of the body and send it to the colon. This helps to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. Osmotic laxatives include polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX, Gavilax) and magnesium hydroxide solution (Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax).

Stimulant Laxatives

Stimulant laxatives activate the nerves that control the muscles in the colon, forcing it into motion and moving the stool along. They are typically recommended when other over-the-counter laxatives have not been effective. Examples of stimulant laxatives are 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. Prolonged use of laxatives can lead to serious side effects and worsen constipation.

They can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription, depending on the type and severity of constipation

Laxatives are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements to treat and prevent constipation. They can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription, depending on the type and severity of constipation.

Most laxatives are available without a prescription and can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. They are typically used to treat occasional or short-term constipation. However, taking laxatives for extended periods can cause side effects and even worsen constipation. Common over-the-counter laxatives include bulk-forming laxatives (such as Metamucil and Citrucel), osmotic laxatives (such as MiraLAX and Milk of Magnesia), and stimulant laxatives (such as Dulcolax and Senna).

You may need a prescription laxative if over-the-counter options are not providing relief or if you have a chronic condition that causes constipation, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease. Prescription laxatives include lactulose (Duphalac), linaclotide (Linzess), and lubiprostone (Amitiza).

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking laxatives, especially if you are pregnant, taking other medications, or experiencing severe or persistent constipation. They can advise on the most suitable type of laxative and provide guidance on proper usage and potential side effects.

Laxatives should be taken as directed to prevent side effects, which may include bloating, gas, stomach cramps, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. They are intended for occasional, short-term relief and should not be used for extended periods without medical advice.

It is important to use laxatives safely and sparingly to avoid side effects and potential complications

Laxatives are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements to treat and prevent constipation. They are available in many forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas, and can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription. While laxatives can be effective in providing relief from constipation, it is important to use them safely and sparingly to avoid side effects and potential complications.

• Side Effects: Laxatives can cause various side effects, such as bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and dehydration. These side effects can be unpleasant and may require medical attention.
• Overuse and Dependency: Overuse of laxatives can lead to laxative dependency, where the body becomes reliant on them to have a bowel movement. This can result in the loss of the body's natural ability to defecate and may worsen constipation.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Prolonged use of laxatives can disrupt the balance of water and salts in the body, leading to an electrolyte imbalance. This can have serious health consequences.
• Nutrient Absorption: Some laxatives, such as mineral oil, can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and certain prescription medications. This can affect the effectiveness of medications and impact overall health.
• Masking Underlying Conditions: Laxatives treat the symptoms of constipation but do not address the underlying cause. If constipation is due to a more serious condition, such as colon cancer, diabetes, or hypothyroidism, laxatives can delay diagnosis and proper treatment.
• Serious Complications: In some cases, overuse of laxatives can lead to severe complications that require medical attention. These include chronic constipation, intestinal blockage, and liver damage.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to laxatives are possible, and individuals may experience severe and potentially dangerous symptoms.
• Drug Interactions: Laxatives can interact with other medications, including prescription drugs. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking laxatives while on other medications.

To use laxatives safely and sparingly, it is recommended to make lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. Laxatives should be used as directed by a healthcare professional and only when necessary. It is important to read the labels, follow the instructions, and be patient when using laxatives to avoid potential side effects and complications.

Frequently asked questions