Laxatives are a very viable solution to relieve and prevent constipation. However, it is important to note laxatives are not safe to use over extended periods of time they can lead to dependency and reduced bowel function.
Any number of factors ranging from poor diets, pregnancy, illness, travel and some types of medication can lead to disrupted normal bowel functions and cause constipation. This may have led many to seek over the counter laxatives, which may not always be the solution.
Before trying out laxatives, it is important to know our bowel functions vary, with some people going up to almost three times a day and some for as few as three times a week. One may be constipated if they have fewer bowel movements than they are normally used to. Constipation is almost always accompanied with stool that is difficult to pass because it is small dry and hard.
Before going ahead and seeking over the counter laxatives one can try:
- Adding foods rich in fiber to their diet like bran, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and oats.
- Drinking plenty of fluids on a regular basis.
- Regular exercising.
Making a couple of tweaks in one’s lifestyle often resolves the constipation problem. However if making these adjustments fails to do the trick, then it may be time to consider mild laxatives.
How do laxatives work? Laxatives differ in terms of effectiveness and each brand varies according to the person using it. Some laxatives- fiber supplements-are the most gentle for the body and the safest to use over extend time frames. Metamucil and Citrucel fall in this category of laxatives.
Dulcolax and Senokot are examples of stimulant laxatives which are the harshest types of laxatives and should only be used occasionally.
| Rectal stimulants. (Bisacodyl, pedia-lax, Dulcolax) | These laxatives trigger rhythmic contractions of the intestinal muscles to eliminate stool. | They cause rectal irritation, stomach discomfort and cramping. |
| Oral stimulants. (Dulcolax and Senokot) | They work by triggering rhythmic contractions of intestinal muscles to eliminate stool. | Its side-effects include; belching, cramping, diarrhea, nausea and urine discoloration. |
| Oral stool softeners. (Colace and Surfak) | They work by adding moisture to stool to allow strain free bowel movements. | They lead to electrolyte imbalance due to prolonged use. |
| Oral bulk formers. (Benefiber, Citrucel, Fibercon and Metamucil) | They work by absorbing water to form soft, bulky stool. This prompts normal contraction of the intestinal muscles to stimulate bowel movements. | Its side effects include; bloating, gas increase and heightened constipation if one fails to take enough water. |
| Oral osmotic. (milk of magnesia and miralax) | These laxatives draw water into the colon from surrounding body tissues to allow the easier passage of stool from the body. | Its side effects include; bloating, diarrhea, nausea, increases of gas and increased thirst. |
As much as these laxatives are available over the counter, it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner before buying a laxative.
Oral laxatives may interfere with the body’s absorption of some medications and nutrients. Some types of laxatives can also cause electrolyte imbalance especially after prolonged use. The body’s normal electrolytes include; sodium, calcium, chlorides, potassium and magnesium regulate a variety of body functions and may cause detrimental side effects if they are leached out of the body. An electrolyte imbalance can cause irregular heart rhythms, body weakness, and confusion and cause seizures.
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