Laxatives: Uncomfortable Side Effects And Feeling Sick

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation and stimulate bowel movements. They are available over the counter and by prescription. While laxatives can be effective, they can also cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This paragraph will explore the reasons why laxatives may make you feel sick and discuss the potential risks associated with their use.

Laxative overdose

Laxatives are a medicine used to stimulate bowel movements and treat constipation. They are available over the counter and on prescription. While laxatives can be very effective, they can also cause side effects such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, especially with overuse.

The most common symptoms of a laxative overdose are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are more common in children than adults. However, the symptoms can become more severe depending on the specific product. For example, senna and cascara sagrada can cause a drop in blood pressure, while magnesium-containing products can cause gastrointestinal irritation and painful bowel movements. Castor oil can also irritate the gastrointestinal tract, and mineral oil can cause aspiration pneumonia, where the contents of the stomach are inhaled into the lungs.

If you suspect a laxative overdose, do not induce vomiting unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional. Instead, seek immediate medical attention by calling your local emergency number or poison control center. Have the following information ready: the person's age, weight, and condition; the name, ingredients, strength, and amount of the product swallowed; the time it was swallowed; and whether the medicine was prescribed.

Dehydration and diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a common side effect of laxative overdose. It can also occur when laxatives are used correctly. Diarrhoea is defined as having loose, watery stools several times a day. This can cause a loss of fluids, increasing the risk of dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in.

Dehydration is a common complication of diarrhoea. It can happen to anyone but is more likely to affect those who are unable to recognise the symptoms of dehydration. Dehydration is the most serious risk of diarrhoea and can lead to severe and life-threatening complications, including organ damage, kidney damage, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, seizures, low blood pressure, and even death.

The symptoms of dehydration to look out for include:

• Darker urine than usual
• Reduced skin elasticity (pinched skin stays in place)
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Dry mouth and tongue
• No tears when crying
• Less frequent urination
• Rapid or irregular heart rate
• Difficulty moving or walking
• Being unable to drink
• Loss of consciousness

If you or someone else experiences the following symptoms, seek medical help immediately:

• Rapid or irregular heart rate
• Difficulty moving or walking

To prevent dehydration, it is important to increase your fluid intake and eat water-rich foods. Water is a great choice, but it is also recommended to drink fluids with electrolytes, such as oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, which contain electrolytes and glucose.

In cases of severe dehydration, intravenous rehydration therapy may be required. This involves injecting fluids directly into a person's vein to replenish fluids and electrolytes.

Electrolyte imbalance

Electrolytes are chemicals and minerals in the body that are essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, muscle function, and blood pH. Electrolyte imbalance can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Dehydration
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Skin rash or itching
• Swallowing difficulty (feeling of lump in throat)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Drop in blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal irritation
• Painful bowel movements
• Intestinal obstruction

It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking laxatives, especially bulk-forming and osmotic laxatives, as these can cause dehydration. It is also important not to take more than the recommended dose of laxatives, as this can be harmful and cause side effects.

If you experience any symptoms of electrolyte imbalance or other side effects while taking laxatives, it is important to seek medical advice.

Intestinal obstruction

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation and stimulate bowel movements. They can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. However, overuse of laxatives can lead to intestinal obstruction, a serious medical condition.

Symptoms of intestinal obstruction include severe abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen, loud sounds from the belly, constipation, and the inability to pass gas or stool. Intestinal obstruction can lead to serious complications, including tissue death, infection, and even death if left untreated. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.

To diagnose intestinal obstruction, a healthcare provider will consider a patient's overall health and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination and order specific tests, such as a barium contrast study or contrast fluoroscopy. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause of the blockage. In some cases, a simple blockage can be treated with a liquid diet and intestinal decompression using a nasogastric tube. However, more complicated obstructions may require immediate surgery to remove the blockage and repair any damaged organs.

It is important to note that laxatives should only be used occasionally and for a short duration, as prolonged or excessive use can lead to intestinal obstruction and other health complications. If you experience constipation, it is recommended to make lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre and fluid intake and regular exercise, instead of relying on laxatives.

Unbalanced salt and mineral levels

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available over the counter and on prescription. There are several types of laxatives, including bulk-forming laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives, and poo-softener laxatives.

Laxatives can cause side effects, including dehydration, which can lead to feelings of lightheadedness, headaches, and dark-coloured urine. In addition, laxatives can cause an imbalance in salts and minerals in the body, particularly in children. This is more likely to occur with certain types of laxatives, such as magnesium-containing products, which can cause a drop in blood pressure and gastrointestinal irritation.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking laxatives, especially bulk-forming and osmotic laxatives, as these can cause dehydration. Taking more than the recommended dose of laxatives can be harmful and cause side effects. Therefore, laxatives should only be taken occasionally and for up to a week at a time. If constipation persists despite taking laxatives, it is recommended to speak to a healthcare professional.

To prevent constipation, it is advisable to increase fibre intake, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise regularly. These measures are preferable to the long-term use of laxatives, which can lead to dependency and other health complications.

Frequently asked questions