These drugs should only be used when you are constipated, and even then, you usually don't really need to take one. The first rule of laxatives is that you usually don't need them. The best remedy for constipation is drinking more fluids, adding fiber to your diet, and getting more exercise. It's also important to know that going a day without a bowel movement does not mean you have constipation.
Sure, some people have three bowel movements a day, but others only have three a week. Normal is relative, especially in this case. Constipation is one of the most frequent complaints doctors hear. It's estimated that constipation results in at least 2. Constipation occurs when stool passes too slowly through your digestive tract. These people may require the extra breathing support noted above.
Aronson JK. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; Meehan TJ. Approach to the poisoned patient. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Reviewed by: Jacob L. Editorial team. Laxative overdose Laxative abuse. Poisonous Ingredient Using too much of these drugs can cause symptoms of a laxative overdose: Bisacodyl Carboxymethylcellulose Cascara sagrada Casanthranol Castor oil Dehydrocholic acid Docusate Glycerin Lactulose Magnesium citrate Magnesium hydroxide Magnesium oxide Magnesium sulfate Malt soup extract Methylcellulose Milk of magnesia Mineral oil Phenolphthalein Poloxamer Polycarbophil Potassium bitartrate and sodium bicarbonate Psyllium Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid Senna Sennosides Sodium phosphate Other laxative products may also cause an overdose.
Symptoms Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of a laxative overdose. Home Care Seek medical help right away. Before Calling Emergency Have this information ready: Person's age, weight, and condition The name of the product ingredients and strength, if known Time it was swallowed The amount swallowed If the medicine was prescribed for the person.
Poison Control Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline from anywhere in the United States. What to Expect at the Emergency Room Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible. 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. They include: lactulose also called by the brand names Duphalac and Lactugal macrogol also called by the brand names Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol, Molaxole and Molative polyethylene glycol Stimulant laxatives These stimulate the muscles that line your gut, helping them to move poo along to your back passage.
They take 6 to 12 hours to work. They include: bisacodyl also called by the brand name Dulcolax senna also called by the brand name Senokot sodium picosulfate Poo-softener laxatives This type of laxative works by letting water into poo to soften it and make it easier to pass. They include: arachis oil docusate Which laxative should I use?
Unless there's a reason why a type of laxative may be more suitable for you than another: start with a bulk-forming laxative if your poo remains hard, try using an osmotic laxative in addition to, or instead of, a bulk-forming laxative if your poo is soft but is still difficult to pass, try taking a stimulant laxative in addition to a bulk-forming laxative Speak to a GP or pharmacist if you're unsure which laxative to use.
Things to consider Laxatives are not suitable for everyone. They're not usually recommended for: children unless advised by a doctor people with certain health conditions, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
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