Poop Pills: The Medication For Constipation

There are many different types of pills that can make you poop, also known as laxatives. Laxatives are a diverse range of medications that help with the movement of feces through the colon. They are typically used to treat constipation, which is characterised by infrequent bowel movements, hard and dry stool, or difficulty passing stool. Constipation can be treated with over-the-counter medications or prescription medications, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Over-the-counter laxatives include fiber supplements, bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stimulants, lubricants, and stool softeners. Prescription laxatives, on the other hand, are typically recommended for people with chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or constipation caused by opioid use.

Bulk-forming laxatives

It is important to take bulk-forming laxatives with plenty of water to prevent bowel obstruction and other side effects such as mild stomach pain, bloating, or gas. People with kidney disease or diabetes should consult a doctor before using bulk-forming laxatives as they may be at risk of electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, laxatives may impact how the body absorbs medications, so it is important to leave at least two hours between taking a laxative and any other medication.

Osmotics

• Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
• Magnesium citrate (Citroma)
• Polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
• Sodium phosphate (Fleet Saline Enema)
• Glycerin (Fleet Glycerin Suppository)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that in rare cases, using excessive amounts of sodium phosphate products can cause serious kidney and heart damage and even death. The FDA recommends that you consult a doctor before giving these medications to older adults, children, or people with heart or kidney problems.

Stimulants

Stimulant laxatives are generally not recommended for long-term use. This is because your body may become tolerant to this type of medication, causing your constipation to worsen when you stop taking it.

Common types of stimulant laxatives include:

• Bisacodyl (Correctol, Ducodyl, Dulcolax)
• Sennocides (Senexon, Senokot)

One of the more common side effects of stimulant laxatives is stomach cramping. They are more likely than other laxatives to cause this effect.

Adderall, a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD, can also have a similar effect on the body. Adderall combines dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, and it boosts dopamine and norepinephrine production in the brain. This kickstarts the body's central nervous system, which may cause an increase in digestive activity. Amphetamines, the chemical component of Adderall that gives it its stimulating effects, can send the body into fight-or-flight mode when they are initially released into the bloodstream. This stress reaction serves to heighten awareness and responsiveness to potential threats. Once the stimulating effects of Adderall wear off, the body returns to a resting state, and the urge to defecate may occur.

Lubricants

Lubricant laxatives are a type of medication used to treat constipation. They work by coating the stool and the inside of the bowel with moisture, preventing the stool from drying out and making it easier to pass through the intestines. Lubricant laxatives are available in liquid or oral form, or as an enema.

Mineral oil is the most common lubricant laxative. It is available as an enema, sold under the brand name Fleet Mineral Oil Enema, and as a liquid or oral solution. It is recommended that you take this medication on an empty stomach, as it can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. It is also advised to wait at least two hours after taking other medications before taking mineral oil, as it can affect their effectiveness.

Lubricant laxatives are intended for short-term use. Long-term use can lead to dependence and vitamin deficiencies. They are not recommended for older adults, children under six, or people who are bedridden.

Lubricant laxatives typically start working within 6 to 8 hours of taking them. However, mineral oil enemas may work much faster, in as little as 2 to 15 minutes.

Stool softeners

It usually takes between 12 to 72 hours for stool softeners to take effect, and they are considered safe for long-term use. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor if the medicine does not provide relief within a week. Side effects may include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, throat irritation, and, in rare cases, allergic reactions.

Frequently asked questions