Knowledge Builders

which laxatives are safe for long term use

by Dr. Markus Blanda PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Laxatives can help relieve and prevent constipation. But not all laxatives are safe for long-term use. Overuse of certain laxatives can lead to dependency and decreased bowel function. If you've ever been constipated, you may have tried over-the-counter laxatives.

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.

Full Answer

What is the best laxative?

“If you’re really struggling with constipation, which is common particularly among older adults and in pregnancy, then an insoluble fiber supplement might be best,” Byrne says. “This one is made with psyllium husk, which contains both soluble and insoluble fiber to help keep you regular.”

What is the best laxative pill?

Best laxative pill . 18. Bisacodyl Laxative Coated Tablets . If you’re scanning for an alternative to the pricey Dulcolax, that is just as efficient but costs a fraction of what the brand product would cost you, then read about this product. It offers overnight relief and two tablets a day is enough for both adults and children over six years ...

What is the fastest laxative?

Top 10 Best fast acting laxative Review: Sale Bestseller No. 1. Dulcolax Liquid Laxative, Stimulant Free... INCLUDES: One (1) 12-oz. bottle of Dulcolax Stimulant Free Liquid Laxative, Cherry Flavor. STIMULANT-FREE LAXATIVE: Works naturally with your body to help comfortably pass hard, dry stools.

What are the long term side effects of taking laxatives?

Some of the symptoms of laxative dependence include but are not limited to:

  • Vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Fainting
  • Dehydration
  • Tremors
  • Kidney damage
  • Skin rashes
  • Depression

image

What is the best laxative for seniors?

Osmotic laxatives are some of the most popular good laxatives for seniors. They come with a non-absorbable sugar which attracts the water from your tissues to your colon – or osmosis, as this process is called, hence the name. This water mixes with the stool and makes it softer and smoother to propel.

Which laxatives act the fastest?

Laxative suppositories, in general, are one of the fastest-acting laxatives out there as they act locally, not having to work their way across the entire digestive tract.

What is the fastest acting laxative?

Laxative suppositories are some of the fastest acting laxatives on the market because they act locally, without having to travel across the entire digestive tract. Combine that speed with the patented recipe of a famous and respect brand like Dulcolax, and you get a product that will make most people happy.

What is a bowel cleaner?

It is a bowel cleaner that can be used for a range of intestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and dyskinesia. It also soothes your digestion, especially after you’ve had a heavy meal. The biomedicine alleviates gastro-intestinal distension and promotes healthy blood flow to your digestive organs.

How long can you use a saline solution?

It is not advised to use this product for more than seven consecutive days, and it is also a good idea to sometimes alternate it with other similar products, to prevent the body from getting used to the main ingredient and its osmotic properties.

Why are herbal products so popular?

There is a reason why herbal products are so popular – because they are non-toxic, and because you don’t develop tolerance to their properties as fast as with chemicals. And the fact that this product is 100% made from herbs and plants should be a hint as to why it is so familiar to consumers.

Is osmotic laxative good for constipation?

But this brand combines all of your wishes, and it is highly efficient with occasional constipation or irregularity. And all that you are required to do is to dissolve the powder in your favorite beverage and drink it. This is great, especially since the grit-free powder is unflavored.

What is the best laxative for bowel movements?

Another option would be a magnesium-based laxative , such as milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate. These are members of a larger class of laxatives called saline osmotics, which draw water into the bowels and trigger bowel movements. The active ingredients include magnesium, sulfate, citrate, and phosphate.

How long does it take for a laxative to work?

Bulk-forming laxatives draw water into stool, making it softer and easier to pass. But don't expect instant gratification: these can take a half-day to several days to provide relief. They are safe to use daily.

What to do if your stools are stuck?

For stuck stools... Stool softeners add moisture to stools to make them softer and easier to pass. Mineral oil, a lubricant, helps stools "slide on by" if the stools feel stuck low in your bowels, if you have an internal tear or "fissure," or if you have pain from hemorrhoids during bowel movements. Don't take mineral oil at the same time as stool ...

How to prevent constipation from irregularities?

"You should be sure you are eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking adequate fluids, and staying physically active ," says Dr. Jacqueline Wolf, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. But when you do have constipation, start with the gentlest and safest option, like a bulk-forming laxative. If laxatives don't work, ask for help. "You should see your doctor and discuss it if you are constantly needing to take laxatives," Dr. Wolf says. "People shouldn't have to take laxatives every day."

Can you take saline osmotic laxatives long term?

The active ingredients include magnesium, sulfate, citrate, and phosphate. But don't take more than the recommended amounts of these laxatives, or use them long-term, because they can throw off your chemistry. Combined with an underperforming kidney or heart failure, saline osmotic laxatives can be dangerous.

Can you take milk of magnesia long term?

The active ingredients include magnesium, sulfate, citrate, and phosphate. But don't take more than the recommended amounts of these laxatives, or use them long-term, because they can throw off your chemistry. Combined with an underperforming kidney or heart failure, saline osmotic laxatives can be dangerous.

Can you take mineral oil with stool softener?

Don't take mineral oil at the same time as stool softeners. Take 1 tablespoon at breakfast or lunch. But don't use it for more than a few days, because mineral oil interferes with absorption of some vitamins and if inhaled it can cause pneumonia. Consider wearing a protective pad in your undergarments to absorb any leakage.

What are the different types of laxatives?

There are several types of laxatives that work in different ways. The main classes of laxatives are ( 1 ): 1 Bulk-forming laxatives: These move through the body undigested, absorbing water and swelling to form stool. 2 Stool softeners: They increase the amount of water absorbed by the stool to make it softer and easier to pass. 3 Lubricant laxatives: These coat the surface of the stool and intestinal lining to keep in moisture, allowing for softer stools and easier passage. 4 Osmotic-type laxatives: These help the colon retain more water, increasing the frequency of bowel movements. 5 Saline laxatives: These draw water into the small intestine to encourage a bowel movement. 6 Stimulant laxatives: They speed up the movement of the digestive system to induce a bowel movement.

What is a laxative?

Laxatives are substances that either loosen stool or stimulate a bowel movement.

How does a laxative work?

It gets its laxative effect from anthraquinone glycosides, compounds that draw water into the intestines and stimulate the movement of the digestive tract ( 41 ).

What is the plant that is used as a stimulant?

Extracted from the plant Senna alexandrina, senna is an herb that is often used as a natural stimulant laxative.

Is flaxseed good for diarrhea?

Not only that, but flaxseeds also have natural laxative properties and are an effective treatment for both constipation and diarrhea.

Is oat bran a good laxative?

Oat Bran. Produced from the outer layers of the oat grain, oat bran is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, making it a good choice as a natural laxative. In fact, just 1 cup (94 grams) of raw oat bran packs in a whopping 14 grams of fiber ( 43 ).

Does Kiwifruit help with constipation?

Kiwifruit has been shown to have laxative properties, making it a convenient way to ease constipation.

Laxido help and advice needed!

In the meantime, my doctor prescribed me some Laxido to take at 1 a day to see if that helps my...

long time sufferer of i.b.s

dont get my nutrients well and for years have not been able to get that good satisfied feeling...

How long can diarrhea go on for without worrying

I`ve really been feeling rough. I phoned our on line out of hrs help and they got a doctor to call...

Miracle help from Laxido

I have been suffering from alternating constipation and diarrhoea with agonising left-sided stomach...

Laxido for fecal impaction. What to expect?

yesterday and told I have a fecal impaction and given laxido, told to take 8 sachets in six hours....

What happens when you drink laxatives?

As soon as a person drinks or eat, the body rehydrates. If a person is chronically using laxatives, then the body can run the risk of dehydration, which can overuse essential organs and can lead to death [1].

What are the physical and mental consequences of laxative abuse?

One is the dysregulation of electrolytes and minerals in the body. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous are electrolytes and minerals present in specific levels for the healthy functioning of nerves, muscles, colon, and heart.

How does laxative dependency occur?

Laxative dependency can occur when a person abuses laxatives over a long period of time, and the colon stops reacting to recommended doses of laxatives. A continued increase in laxatives is typically needed to produce a bowel movement for those who abuse laxatives.

What happens if you lose fluids in anorexia nervosa?

Severe dehydration can occur from loss of fluids and lack of hydration to cells and tissues. This can result in organ failure or death. In anorexia nervosa, continued medical complications can occur and bone loss due from mineral loss with laxative abuse and can result in premature osteoporosis and bone fractures [3].

What does it feel like to taper off laxatives?

When working with your doctor and tapering off laxatives, you may feel anxious, feelings of fullness and have a sense of distress. Be patient with your body as it readjusts and relearns how to re-regulate itself and respond to natural cues.

Do laxatives cause weight loss?

Most laxatives will artificially stimulate the large intestine to empty, and a laxative-induced bowel movement causes a perceived weight loss. Typically this bowel movement does not contain actual food, fat or calories, but instead causes the loss of water, minerals, and electrolytes from the colon. As soon as a person drinks or eat, the body ...

Is laxative abuse a good sounding board?

Being able to address those along with the physical side effects of laxative abuse can be a good sounding board for many individuals.

image

1.Over-the-counter laxatives for constipation: Use with …

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906

14 hours ago 5 rows ·  · In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on ...

2.Long term treatment with stimulant laxatives - clinical …

Url:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30700194/

29 hours ago  · Which laxatives are safe for long term use? In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. …

3.20 Best Laxatives For The Elderly (Must Read Reviews) For

Url:https://caregivingmag.com/best-laxative-for-elderly/

25 hours ago Objectives: Bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate are classified both as stimulant laxatives, approved for short-term treatment of constipation and sold without prescription (OTC). Stimulant …

4.Efficacy and safety of laxatives for chronic constipation …

Url:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29885259/

21 hours ago  · Best natural laxative for constipation 1. Dr. Schulze’s Colon Bowel Cleanse If you suffer from chronic constipation, you don’t have to give up your favorite activities because of …

5.Don't bomb the bowel with laxatives - Harvard Health

Url:https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/dont-bomb-the-bowel-with-laxatives

25 hours ago  · There are some common issues that can come about when you take laxatives to help out with your bowel movements. The major problems include: Addiction/dependency. If …

6.Laxatives for Constipation: How to Safely Use, Natural, …

Url:https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-natural-laxatives

29 hours ago Senna and lactulose were the most studied laxatives in LTC patients, and senna was found to be superior to or as effective as other laxatives. Generally, the frequency and severity of adverse …

7.laxido for a long time worried: Hi been on... - IBS Network

Url:https://healthunlocked.com/theibsnetwork/posts/147104674/laxido-for-a-long-time-worried

15 hours ago  · You should see your doctor and discuss it if you are constantly needing to take laxatives. First choice: bulk-forming laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives draw water into stool, …

8.Laxative Abuse: Side Effects and Long-Term Risks

Url:https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/laxative-abuse-long-term-risks

4 hours ago  · Prunes are probably one of the most well-known natural laxatives. They provide lots of fiber, with 7.7 grams in a 1-cup (248-gram) serving. They also contain a type of sugar …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9