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A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.
Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep from freezing. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits or function that lasts longer than 2 weeks, or that keeps returning off and on, check with your doctor before using a laxative. This will allow the cause of your problem to be determined before it may become more serious. The "laxative habit"—Laxative products are overused by many people.
Such a practice often leads to dependence on the laxative action to produce a bowel movement. In severe cases, overuse of some laxatives has caused damage to the nerves, muscles, and tissues of the intestines and bowel.
If you have any questions about the use of laxatives, check with your health care professional. Many laxatives often contain large amounts of sugars, carbohydrates, and sodium.
If you are on a low-sugar, low-caloric, or low-sodium diet, check with your health care professional before using a laxative. Large doses of mineral oil may cause some leakage from the rectum. The use of absorbent pads or a decrease in dose may be necessary to prevent the soiling of clothing.
Do not take mineral oil within 2 hours of a stool softener emollient laxative. The stool softener may increase the amount of mineral oil absorbed. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. In some cases, you may be prescribed a laxative to use regularly, but this should always be supervised by a GP or gastroenterologist a specialist in gut problems.
Like most medicines, laxatives can cause side effects. They're usually mild and should pass once you stop taking the laxative. The side effects you may get will depend on the type of laxative you're taking, but common side effects of most laxatives include:. Ask a GP for advice if you get any particularly troublesome or persistent side effects while taking laxatives. Using laxatives too often or for too long can also cause diarrhoea , the bowel becoming blocked by large, dry poo intestinal obstruction , and unbalanced salts and minerals in your body.
Find out more about preventing constipation. Page last reviewed: 10 June Next review due: 10 June Overview - Laxatives Contents Overview Considerations.
Types of laxatives There are 4 main types of laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives Bulk-forming laxatives work by increasing the "bulk" or weight of poo, which in turn stimulates your bowel. They take 2 or 3 days to work. Bulk-forming laxatives include: Fybogel ispaghula husk methylcellulose Osmotic laxatives Osmotic laxatives draw water from the rest of the body into your bowel to soften poo and make it easier to pass.
Many people use magnesium citrate to relieve occasional constipation. Magnesium citrate is a laxative that works by softening the stool, which makes…. Laxatives occasionally taken for constipation can help people have bowel movements. They work in several different ways, which we explain here…. Differences between stool softeners and other laxatives. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Overview Best constipation relief methods Which laxatives work fastest?
Natural stool softeners Side effects Outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers. What are stool softeners and laxatives? Share on Pinterest People should only take one type of laxative at a time. Which constipation relief method is best for me? Which laxatives work fastest? Natural stool softeners. Share on Pinterest Prunes contain soluble and insoluble fiber. Side effects of laxatives. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.
Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Can olive oil be used to treat constipation? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. How to use Epsom salt for constipation relief. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD. Does magnesium citrate work for constipation?
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