Don't exceed recommended dosages unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you're not sure whether to try a particular laxative, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Laxatives can interact with some antibiotics, and certain heart and bone medications. Your medical history and medications you're taking may limit your laxative options. Read labels to make sure you know what you're taking, and use with caution. In addition, they may be more likely to cause side effects.Ī single-ingredient laxative may work better for you. But combination products don't necessarily work more effectively than single-ingredient products. Some products combine different types of laxatives, such as a stimulant and a stool softener. Combination laxatives: Check labels carefully An electrolyte imbalance can cause abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, confusion and seizures. Electrolytes - which include calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and sodium - regulate a number of body functions. Some laxatives can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, especially after prolonged use. Oral laxatives may interfere with your body's absorption of some medications and nutrients. Trigger rhythmic contractions of intestinal muscles and soften stool Rectal suppositories (Dulcolax, Pedia-Lax) Trigger rhythmic contractions of intestinal muscles to eliminate stoolīelching, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, urine discoloration with senna and cascara derivatives Oral bulk formers (Benefiber, Citrucel, FiberCon, Metamucil)Ībsorb water to form soft, bulky stool, prompting normal contraction of intestinal musclesīloating, gas, cramping or increased constipation if not taken with enough waterĪdd moisture to stool to soften stool, allowing strain-free bowel movements Oral osmotics (Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, MiraLAX)ĭraw water into the colon to allow easier passage of stoolīloating, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, gas, increased thirst Even though many laxatives are available over the counter, it's best to talk to your doctor about laxative use and which kind may be best for you. Here are some examples of types of laxatives. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category. In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Laxatives work in different ways, and the effectiveness of each laxative type varies from person to person. Lifestyle improvements relieve constipation for many people, but if problems continue despite these changes, your next choice may be a mild laxative. Drink plenty of fluids daily - about 8 to 10 glasses (8 ounces) of noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages throughout the day.The average adult should get 25 to 31 grams of fiber per day. Eat fiber-rich foods, such as wheat bran, fresh fruits and vegetables, and oats. However, before turning to laxatives, try these lifestyle changes to help with constipation: In addition, constipation may involve stools that are difficult to pass because they're hard, dry or small. You may be constipated if you have fewer bowel movements than are normal for you. How often you have a bowel movement varies, but people normally have as many as three bowel movements a day to as few as three a week.
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