Laxatives are a class of medicine used to induce bowel movements and treat constipation. They can be purchased over the counter and come in various forms, including pills, powders, liquids, suppositories, and enemas. While laxatives can be effective, they should be used with caution as they can have side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. It is important not to exceed the recommended dose, as an overdose of laxatives can lead to serious health issues, including severe dehydration, kidney and heart problems, and electrolyte imbalances. In some cases, laxative misuse can be a sign of an eating disorder. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the instructions on the medication and consult a healthcare provider if constipation persists or worsens.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | To treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating bowel movement |
Types | Bulk-forming, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, stimulants |
Availability | Over-the-counter, prescription |
Forms | Pills, powders, liquids, suppositories, enemas |
Dosage | Based on age, medical condition, and response to treatment |
Side Effects | Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, reddish-brown urine, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, decreased urination, mental/mood changes |
Overdose Symptoms | Severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, severe gas, drop in blood pressure, impaired kidney function, coma |
Overdose Treatment | Do not induce vomiting, call emergency services, determine when and how much laxative was taken |
Prevention of Overdose | Do not exceed recommended or prescribed dose, drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine, track bowel movements, increase physical activity, include high-fiber foods in diet |
What You'll Learn
Laxative overdose
Laxatives are a medicine used to treat constipation and induce bowel movements. A laxative overdose occurs when someone takes more than the recommended amount of this medicine, which can be accidental or purposeful. Most laxative overdoses in children are accidental, but some people also take them regularly in an attempt to lose weight.
The symptoms of a laxative overdose include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are also common, especially in children. In addition, specific laxative products may cause unique symptoms, such as a drop in blood pressure, decreased alertness, gastrointestinal irritation, and painful bowel movements.
If you suspect a laxative overdose, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Call your local emergency number or poison control center for guidance. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.
To prevent a laxative overdose, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage instructions. Taking more than the suggested amount can lead to serious health complications. It is also important to be cautious when using laxatives for extended periods, as they can cause side effects and worsen constipation over time.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid caffeine, as it can contribute to dehydration.
- Track bowel movements to identify patterns of constipation.
- Incorporate movement and exercise into your daily routine to stimulate bowel function.
- Include high-fiber foods in your diet, such as bran, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
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Laxative abuse and weight loss
Laxatives are a class of drugs that help ease bowel movements, typically taken short-term for constipation. However, an increasing number of people have started to abuse laxatives as a weight-loss strategy. This is a harmful practice that can lead to severe and life-threatening health consequences.
Laxatives work by drawing water from the body into the large intestine, creating softer stools and making them easier to pass. This loss of water may result in a temporary drop in weight, but it is quickly regained as soon as the person rehydrates. Furthermore, laxatives do not prevent the body from absorbing calories or gaining weight. By the time laxatives take effect, the small intestine has already absorbed the calories from consumed food.
The abuse of laxatives for weight loss can lead to dehydration, as the body loses too much water. Mild dehydration may cause headaches, fatigue, dry skin, dizziness, and reduced urine output. In more severe cases, it can lead to rapid heartbeat and breathing, altered mental state, and cold, clammy skin. Severe dehydration is rare but can be life-threatening.
Another common side effect of laxative abuse is electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are important minerals and nutrients that are essential for the healthy functioning of organs and regular bodily functions. An imbalance can lead to mild symptoms such as thirst, weakness, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, and heart palpitations. However, severe electrolyte imbalance can result in confusion, seizures, or even coma.
Laxative abuse can also cause digestive muscle weakening, leading to long-term problems such as chronic constipation, reliance on laxatives, chronic diarrhoea, nausea, and gas. It can also increase the risk of developing an eating disorder, such as bulimia nervosa or anorexia binge-eating/purge type.
Overall, the misuse of laxatives for weight loss is ineffective and dangerous. It can lead to severe health issues, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, digestive problems, and eating disorders. It is important to seek professional help if struggling with laxative abuse or an eating disorder.
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Laxative side effects
Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available over the counter and on prescription. While laxatives are generally safe, they can cause some side effects, particularly if overused or used for too long.
The side effects of laxatives depend on the type of laxative and how it is taken. For example, laxatives that draw water from the body to soften stools, such as bulk-forming laxatives and osmotics, can cause dehydration. This can lead to symptoms such as feeling weak, having a headache, and darker urine. To prevent dehydration, it is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking these types of laxatives.
Another possible side effect of laxatives is diarrhoea, which can also contribute to dehydration and lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Overuse of laxatives can also result in the loss of muscle and nerve response in the intestines, which can lead to dependency on laxatives for bowel movements.
Other common side effects of laxatives include:
- Bloating and gas
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Skin rash or itching
- Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Decreased urination
- Mental or mood changes, such as confusion
It is important to follow the instructions on the medicine to prevent side effects and never take more than the recommended dose. If you experience any persistent or troublesome side effects, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
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Laxative use cases
Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are often used when lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, and exercising, have not helped. They are available over the counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online, as well as on prescription from a doctor.
Laxatives are not suitable for everyone and should be used with caution. 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.
There are several types of laxatives, each with its own benefits and side effects:
Bulk-forming laxatives
These laxatives increase the "bulk" or weight of the stool, which stimulates the bowel. They typically take 2-3 days to work and include products such as Fybogel (ispaghula husk) and psyllium (Metamucil).
Osmotic laxatives
Osmotic laxatives draw water from the body into the bowel, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. Examples include lactulose (Duphalac) and polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX). These laxatives also take 2-3 days to work.
Poo-softener laxatives
This type of laxative lets water into the stool to soften it, making it easier to pass. An example is docusate (Colace).
Stimulant laxatives
Stimulant laxatives stimulate the nerves that control the muscles in the colon, forcing it into motion to move the stool along. They are typically used when other over-the-counter laxatives haven't helped. Examples include bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and senna (Fletcher's Laxative).
Prescription laxatives
You may need a prescription laxative if over-the-counter options aren't working or if you have a chronic condition that causes constipation, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Prescription laxatives include linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone (Amitiza).
Laxatives come in different forms, including pills, capsules, powders, liquids, suppositories, and enemas. It is important to take laxatives exactly as instructed to prevent side effects, such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. They should also be used sparingly and only occasionally, for up to a week at a time.
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Laxative types
Laxatives are a specific class of medicine used to induce bowel movements and treat constipation. They can be helpful if natural methods such as eating fibre-rich foods, drinking enough water, and exercising do not work.
There are several types of laxatives:
Bulk-Forming Laxatives
These work by "bulking up" stools with a substance called soluble fibre, which draws water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. They are generally considered the gentlest type of laxative and are often recommended as the first option. They include psyllium (Metamucil®), polycarbophil (FiberCon®), and methylcellulose (Citrucel®).
Osmotic Laxatives
Osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®) or Gavilax®, pull water from other body parts and send it to the colon, softening the stool. Common side effects include gas, bloating, and nausea. They can also cause dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking them.
Stool Softener Laxatives
Also called emollient laxatives, these increase the water and fat absorbed by the stool, making it softer. An example is docusate (Colace®).
Lubricant Laxatives
Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, coat the colon, making it slick and preventing the absorption of water from the stool, keeping it soft. They can also help stools pass more easily if they feel stuck or if there is pain during bowel movements.
Stimulant Laxatives
Stimulant laxatives, such as sennosides (Fletcher's® Laxative) and bisacodyl (Dulcolax®), activate the nerves that control the muscles in the colon, forcing it into motion and moving the stool along. They are typically recommended if other over-the-counter types have not been effective.
Prescription-Only Laxatives
In some cases, over-the-counter laxatives may not be sufficient, and a prescription laxative may be needed. This could be due to chronic constipation, constipation associated with a condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or the use of opioids, which can cause constipation. Examples of prescription laxatives include lactulose (Duphalac®), linaclotide (Linzess®), and lubiprostone (Amitiza®).
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Frequently asked questions
Laxatives are available in strengths of up to 25 mg.
Side effects may include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, weakness, and an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing).
Yes, it is possible to overdose on laxatives, and it can be dangerous or even deadly. Symptoms of an overdose include severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, and severe gas.
Call emergency services or a poison control centre immediately. Do not induce vomiting as the person is likely already dehydrated.
Do not exceed the recommended or prescribed dose. Drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine, track bowel movements, and incorporate high-fibre foods and movement into your day.