Over-the-counter laxative: use risks

Laxatives can help relieve and prevent constipation. But not all laxatives are safe for long-term use. Excessive use of laxatives can lead to addiction and decreased bowel function.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

How a laxative can relieve constipation

Laxatives work in different ways, and the effectiveness of each type of laxative varies depending on the characteristics of the human body. In natural laxatives, which are also called fiber supplements, there are substances that gently affect the body, moreover, are safe to use and well suited for the long-term perspective of treatment. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category. Stimulant laxatives, such as ex-Lax and Senokot, are quite tough and should not be used in the long-term treatment.

Although many laxatives are sold without a prescription, it is best to talk with your doctor about using laxatives and what kind of medication may be best for you.

[6], [7], [8]

OTC laxatives

If you have ever experienced constipation discomfort — perhaps while traveling or after a change in your diet — you may have bought laxatives over-the-counter. The list of non-prescription laxatives includes many of their various forms — liquids, tablets, wafers, suppositories, or powders that dissolve in water. You can also choose rectal laxatives in the form of suppositories or enemas.

How often do you perform bowel movements? They can vary from a “normal” frequency in the range of three bowel movements per day to three per week. Your body does not usually need help to have a bowel movement. But poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, pregnancy, liver disease, or some medications can disrupt the normal bowel function and cause constipation.

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Before trying to take a laxative

Before moving on to laxatives to relieve a bowel movement, try these lifestyle changes to help manage occasional bowel problems.

• Eat fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran, fresh fruits and vegetables, and oats.
• Drink plenty of fluids per day.
• Exercise regularly.
• Lifestyle and dietary improvements will help many people relieve constipation, but if problems continue to bother you, despite these changes, a mild laxative may be your next choice.

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Oral laxatives without a prescription

Oral laxatives can interfere with the absorption and absorption of certain drugs and nutrients. Rectal laxatives do not have this effect. In addition, some oral and rectal laxatives can lead to electrolyte imbalance, especially after prolonged use.

Electrolytes, which include calcium, chlorine, potassium, magnesium, and sodium, regulate intestinal muscle contraction, heart rhythm, nerve function, fluid balance, and other body functions. Electrolyte imbalance can cause abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, confusion, and seizures.

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The complication of the conditions of admission laxatives

Just because laxatives are available without a prescription does not mean that they can be used without risk to health. A laxative can be dangerous if constipation is caused by a serious illness such as appendicitis or intestinal obstruction. If you often use certain laxatives for weeks or months, they can reduce the natural ability of your colon to contract and actually worsen the course of constipation.

Precautions for pregnant women and children

Do not give laxatives to children under 6 years old without a doctor's recommendation. If you are pregnant, you need to consult a doctor before using laxatives. Mass laxatives and stool softeners are generally safe to use during pregnancy, but strong laxatives can harm you or your baby.

Castor oil is a stimulant laxative, for example, it can cause uterine contractions. If you have recently given birth, consult a doctor before using laxatives. Although they are usually safe to use during breastfeeding, some ingredients can pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea in infants.

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Do not be weak with laxatives.

Call your doctor if you have bloody stools, severe cramping, pain, weakness, dizziness, incomprehensible fatigue or rectal bleeding. You should also see a doctor if you have unexplained changes in your bowels or if constipation lasts more than seven days, despite the use of laxatives. If you are dependent on laxatives, ask your doctor about methods to gradually give up and restore your colon's natural ability.

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Laxative allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to drugs in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies, such as dyes in foods, preservatives, or animal allergies. When buying non-prescription drugs, read the label or package.

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Pediatric risks of laxatives

Laxatives should not be given to small children (up to 6 years), with the exception of those recommended by the doctor. Since children usually cannot describe their symptoms well, they should be checked with a doctor before giving children a laxative.

The child should have alternative treatment options other than laxatives. It can also be addictive to laxatives. If so, laxatives will not help and may even cause undesirable effects or make you feel worse.

In addition, weakness, excessive sweating and convulsions (convulsions) may be especially likely in children who receive enemas or rectal suppositories, since these children may be more sensitive than adults.

[20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25]

Geriatric risks of laxatives

Weakness, excessive sweating, seizures (seizures) can be especially likely in elderly patients, as they are more sensitive than young people with the effects of rectal laxatives.

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Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems (diseases) may affect the use of medicines, in particular, laxatives. Tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, in particular:

• Appendicitis (or its signs)
• Bleeding from the rectum of unknown etiology - this requires the immediate attention of the doctor.
• Stagnation of feces in the colon - the use of laxatives can create other problems if a person has stagnation.

So, taking into account all the risks of using laxatives, it is important to consider that it is desirable to resort to their help for constipation only in exceptional cases in order not to harm the body.

[28], [29]

Combination of laxatives: label verification

Some products combine different types of laxatives, such as a stimulant and a stool softener. The combination of products can not be more effective than a single substance targeted. But they may be more likely to cause side effects due to their multiplicity of ingredients. Read the labels and carefully see how many types of laxatives the product contains.

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Risk of interaction of laxatives and medications

Your medical history and other medicines that you take, other than laxatives, may limit your options for choosing a laxative. Laxatives can interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), antibiotics such as tetracycline, and certain heart and bone medications.

Read any labels carefully before using any laxative. If you are not sure whether a particular laxative is beneficial to you, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Do not exceed the dose recommended by your doctor.

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The interaction of laxatives with drugs

Although some medicines should not be used in conjunction with the others, in some cases two different medicines can be used together, even if their interaction may occur. In these cases, the doctor may change the dose or take other measures. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Some medicines should not be used while eating food or eating certain types of food, as the interaction of their components may occur. Taking alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause unwanted reactions. Talk to your doctor about using drugs with food, alcohol or tobacco.