Laxatives work in different ways, and the effectiveness of each laxative type varies from person to person. In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
Laxative Abuse Defined
The thinking – though incorrect – is that the laxative will quickly move food through the body and clear out calories before the calories can be absorbed. Laxatives contain warnings that using the medicine for more than one week can cause serious long-term complications.
The fastest-working oral laxatives include mineral oil, saline laxatives (like magnesium hydroxide and magnesium citrate), and stimulant laxatives (like bisacodyl and senna tablets). Common OTC products in this group include Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax, and Senokot.
In studies of up to 2 years duration, MOVICOL® has been shown to be generally well tolerated. As with all laxatives, prolonged use is not usually recommended, except under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Use in children aged 2 years and older should be limited to 12 weeks, except under medical supervision.
Long-term use of DULCOLAX is not recommended. If you use DULCOLAX every day, you should consult with your doctor to find out the cause of your constipation. Long-term and excessive use of DULCOLAX may cause an imbalance of salts in the body (including low potassium), muscle weakness and kidney problems.
Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
Prolonged use is not recommended and may lead to dependence or serious bowel problems.
Like all medicines, Movicol Lemon- Lime can have side effects. Sometimes people have indigestion, stomach ache or rumbles. You may also feel bloated, suffer from wind, feel sick or vomit, may also experience soreness of the anus (bottom) and may have mild diarrhoea when starting to take Movicol Lemon-Lime.
Do not take Movicol if your doctor has told you that you have: an obstruction in your intestine (gut) a perforated gut wall. severe inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or toxic megacolon.
Stimulant laxatives such as Senokot (made from senna pods) and Dulcolax (active ingredient: bisacodyl) are the fastest-working oral laxatives, with overnight results.
Metamucil® (Psyllium) treats constipation. It's a bulk-forming fiber laxative. In addition to taking this medication, increasing fiber in your diet may also help lower cholesterol and promote heart health.
Don't get into the habit of taking laxatives every day to ease your constipation because this can be harmful.
Laxative abuse can also lead to an overstretched or lazy colon which can result in colon cancer, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and, in extreme cases, colon cancer.
Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water.
Unlike some laxatives that work to cause bowel contractions through direct nerve stimulation, MOVICOL® has a natural mode of action that works gently, in harmony with your body. acts locally in the colon to relieve constipation: The water retained by MOVICOL® softens the stool and bulks it up slightly.
If extended treatment is required for constipation, do not exceed the maximum recommended dose of 3 sachets daily. If you take too much Movicol Ready To Take and get bad diarrhoea, stop taking Movicol Ready To Take until the diarrhoea stops. If constipation returns, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Are there any issues with long term use of MOVICOL? MOVICOL has been shown to be generally well tolerated in studies of up to 2 years duration.
Coloxyl 50 mg is not recommended for children under 12 years. Coloxyl Infant Drops can be used for constipation relief for children up to 3 years.
Perform stimulation with your finger every day until you start to have a regular pattern of bowel movements. You can also stimulate bowel movements by using a suppository (glycerin or bisacodyl) or a small enema. Some people find it helpful to drink warm prune juice or fruit nectar.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category. Here are some examples of types of laxatives.
For some, it can mean twice a day, and for others, three times a week is normal. However, if you often have infrequent bowel movements, you may be constipated. Symptoms of constipation include: Fewer than three bowel movements a week.
Encourage patients to attempt to have a bowel movement soon after waking in the morning or 30 minutes after meals to take advantage of the gastrocolic reflex. Increasing dietary fiber intake to 25 to 30 g daily may improve symptoms of constipation. Encourage physical activity to improve bowel regularity.