How do saline laxatives work

Anyone who is having an allergic reaction or is unsure about their reaction should stop using the laxative and call their doctor. Importantly, laxatives may interact with other drugs a person is taking.

People with constipation who take other drugs should speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any laxative. Occasional constipation is normal.

Both stool softeners and other laxatives may provide temporary relief from symptoms, and the choice between them may depend on how quickly a person needs relief.

People may experience side effects or complications from taking certain laxatives. Anyone experiencing side effects that last more than a few days should contact their doctor to find out the cause. Olive oil has long been used as a simple treatment for constipation.

Learn more about this home remedy that gets stools moving again, and how to use…. Epsom salt is a widely available home remedy for many ailments, including constipation.

A person can use Epsom salt as a laxative by mixing it with…. 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?

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Laxatives should not be given to young children up to 6 years of age unless prescribed by their doctor. Since children usually cannot describe their symptoms very well, they should be checked by a doctor before being given a laxative. The child may have a condition that needs other treatment. If so, laxatives will not help, and may even cause unwanted effects or make the condition worse.

Mineral oil should not be given to young children up to 6 years of age because a form of pneumonia may be caused by the inhalation of oil droplets into the lungs. Also, bisacodyl tablets should not be given to children up to 6 years of age because if chewed they may cause stomach irritation. Mineral oil should not be taken by bedridden elderly persons because a form of pneumonia may be caused by the inhalation of oil droplets into the lungs. Also, stimulant laxatives e.

Polyethylene glycol should be discontinued if diarrhea occurs, especially in elderly persons in nursing homes. Although laxatives are often used during pregnancy, some types are better than others.

Stool softeners emollient laxatives and bulk-forming laxatives are probably used most often. If you are using a laxative during pregnancy, remember that:.

Laxatives containing cascara and danthron may pass into the breast milk. Although the amount of laxative in the milk is generally thought to be too small to cause problems in the baby, your doctor should be told if you plan to use such laxatives. Some reports claim that diarrhea has been caused in the infant.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary.

When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take. Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases.

If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Using medicines in this class with any of the following is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class, change some of the other medicines you take, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of medicines in this class. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:.

With all kinds of laxatives, at least 6 to 8 glasses 8 ounces each of liquids should be taken each day. This will help make the stool softer. The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines.

An enema may be preferred occasionally to relieve severe constipation or to empty the bowel prior to surgery. This method involves insertion of liquid, usually water or hyperosmolar salt solution, described above, which acts as a mechanical stimulant and osmotic, into the rectum via the anus. You can purchase prepared enemas, an enema bulb, or fountain syringe at your local pharmacy to use for this sole purpose. Typically, after holding the liquid in place for a few minutes, there is an intense urgency to move the bowels.

An enema may cause uncomfortable bloating and cramping; however, it usually leads to urgent elimination of the contents of the rectum and colon, doing away with constipation. Physicians and other healthcare providers associated with the GI Society do not recommend the use of colonic irrigation. In fact, these procedures could negatively affect the natural pH balance of the colon, cause electrolyte imbalances, upset the natural bacterial and yeast milieu necessary for good digestion, and could even cause permanent physical damage to the bowel.

This approach may worsen existing digestive conditions. A common complication of pregnancy is constipation. If making the appropriate dietary and lifestyle adjustments to reduce constipation for a pregnant or nursing woman do not work, then her primary physician may recommend either stool softeners or bulk-forming laxatives, depending on the frequency and duration of constipation.

It is very important that she drink plenty of water while taking a laxative, as some can be high in salt and might dehydrate the expectant or nursing mother.

Others require sufficient fluid intake to work properly, as with bulk-forming laxatives. Always consult a pharmacist or physician before taking medications while pregnant or nursing, as some formulas of over-the-counter or prescription laxatives can negatively affect the infant. By preventing straining during a bowel movement, dietary fibre and bulk-forming laxatives can also assist in the prevention of hemorrhoids, a common pregnancy and delivery concern.

It is important for individuals to follow the instructions given by a healthcare provider and those supplied by the product manufacturer when taking an over-the-counter laxative. Unless otherwise directed by a medical professional, remember that over-the-counter and prescription laxatives are only intended for short-term use and you should not exceed the dosage on the label. With all types of laxatives, it is important to consume at least cups mL or 8oz of liquids preferably water every day plus an additional glass with every laxative dose taken, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.

Ensure plenty of fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Laxative abuse can lead to serious dysfunction of bowel motility such as intestinal paralysis, cathartic colon, lazy or laxative gut, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, and other problems. Using laxatives regularly, except for bulk-forming agents and stool softeners, can lead to these problems. Therefore, it is important to use laxatives in moderation and under the supervision of a physician or other regulated healthcare provider.

If you have chronic constipation, where it is a daily issue or occurs more than once a week, then seek the care of a medical professional before self-treating with over-the-counter laxatives.

Bulk-Forming Your body does not digest bulk-forming laxatives; instead, the fibre they contain absorbs and retains a large quantity of fluid, thereby forming a soft, bulky stool formed feces.