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The article is written by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General HospitalA laxative is a drug that stimulates or facilitates bowel movements. There are many different types of laxatives available without a prescription.
1. Over-the-counter laxatives
Most laxatives are available at drug stores. When using you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your condition so that the doctor or pharmacist can recommend the best and most suitable medicine for you.There are five main types of over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives including
1.1 Orally administered Orally tolerated, easily absorbed orally making stools easier by drawing water into the colon . Popular osmotic brands include:
MiraLAX Phillips' Milk of Magnesia 1.2 Stool bulking pills Taken orally, fecal bulking pills promote normal contractions of the intestinal muscles by absorbing water to form stools. soft, bulky.
1.3 Oral Stool Softeners Taken orally, stool softeners work as the name implies - they make stools softer and easier to pass. Popular brands of stool softeners include:
Colace Surfak Forlax Sorbitol Duphalac. 1.4 Oral stimulants Taken orally, stimulants encourage bowel movements by triggering rhythmic contractions of the intestinal muscles. Popular stimulant brands include:
Dulcolax Senokot. 1.5 Rectal suppositories Inserted into the rectum, these suppositories soften stools and trigger rhythmic contractions of the intestinal muscles. Popular brands of suppositories include:
Dulcolax Pedia-Lax
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2. Laxative side effects
The following are common potential side effects of the five main types of OTC laxatives.2.1 Oral absorption Some possible side effects include:
Bloating, abdominal distension Abdominal cramps Diarrhea diarrhea Nausea 2.2 Oral stool softeners Loose stools is a possible side effect out while using the drug.
2.3 Oral stimulants When using oral stimulants, some side effects may occur such as:
Ợ slightly Abdominal cramps Change in urine color Nausea Diarrhea 2.4 Rectal suppositories Possible effects When using rectal suppositories:
Cramps Diarrhea Rectal irritation Anytime you use an OTC laxative, read the instructions for use carefully and talk to your doctor or pharmacist. you to see if the drug is really suitable for your health condition or not?
3. Serious side effects when using laxatives
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as:Rectal bleeding Bloody stools Cramping or severe pain Weakness or unusual tiredness Dizziness Confusion Skin rash or itching Feeling cold Difficulty swallowing (like a lump in your throat) Irregular heartbeat
4. Interactions with other drugs
Among other drugs, laxatives can interact with certain heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications.This information is usually on the label. But to be on the safe side, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the medicine you are taking.
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