Popular brands of suppositories include:. Among other medications, laxatives can interact with certain heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications.
This information is often on the label. If laxative use results in diarrhea, your body can become dehydrated. Diarrhea can also lead to electrolyte imbalance. Talk with your doctor before using any laxative. Overuse of laxatives other than bulk formers can result in the intestines losing muscle and nerve response, which can lead to dependency on laxatives to have a bowel movement.
When you have constipation and are using laxatives, make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience unexplained changes in bowel pattern or constipation lasting longer than seven days even with using a laxative. To help treat constipation and avoid it in the future, consider making these dietary and lifestyle changes:. For the treatment of occasional constipation, you have a choice of a number of safe, effective OTC laxatives.
If you decide to use one, read the label directions carefully and only use it as directed. If you have chronic constipation, see your doctor.
They can tailor a plan of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes to help you treat and avoid future problems with bowel movements. Laxatives can help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Learn more about natural laxatives. Many people think laxatives can help them lose weight quickly.
However, there are serious concerns over their safety and effectiveness. Bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil and FiberCon may help you find relief from constipation. Before you start taking them, learn about their….
Learn what typical bowel movements should include, as well as tips to poop more…. Citrucel powder is a type of fiber supplement used for constipation. If you have tried adding fiber, drinking more fluids, and increasing your activity , and you are still constipated, there are many constipation remedies that are available over-the-counter.
These include laxatives, stool softeners, lubricants, and tap water enemas. Here is what you need to know about laxatives:. The benefit of laxatives is that you can purchase them without a doctor's prescription and they are generally safe and effective. Laxatives may help prevent constipation caused by some drugs or prevent straining to have a bowel movement, which might be dangerous for some people.
Laxatives can be useful constipation remedies, but they are not a substitute for eating enough fiber, getting regular exercise, and drinking plenty of fluid. Other ways to avoid constipation are to never ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, set aside regular times of the day for a bowel movement, and avoid foods that are high in fats and sugar. If you are having trouble with constipation, talk to your doctor about what type of laxative might be best for you.
Never ignore symptoms of blood in your stools or dark, tarry stools. But if you take stimulant laxatives too often, you could become dependent on them to have a bowel movement at all—possibly because the bowel is not functioning normally. If you find yourself trying one laxative after another for long periods, see your doctor for an evaluation.
Additional testing can lead to better therapy and rule out any possible serious malfunctions. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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