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Types of Laxatives

Laxatives are available over the counter and are used to relieve occasional constipation. Usually no help is needed to have a bowel movement, but pregnancy, illness or medication can cause constipation. The frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person. In general, someone having a bowel movement fewer than three times a week is considered to be constipated.

  1. Bulking Agents

    • Bulking agents are also known as fiber supplements. Some popular retail brands are Metamucil and Citrucel. Fiber supplements work by making the stool bulky and softer. Bulking the stool makes the bowel and intestines need to eliminate the stool. Bulking agents must be taken with plenty of water or they could cause an intestinal obstruction.

    Stool Softeners

    • Stool softeners draw water from the tissues surrounding the bowel to soften the stool to make it easier to pass. These shouldn't be used on a regular basis because the body could become dependent on them to have a bowel movement.

    Osmotic Laxatives

    • Osmotic laxatives soften the stool by drawing extra fluid into the intestines from the surrounding tissues and blood vessels. This type of laxative shouldn't be used by people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart problems or who are on a salt-restricted diet.

    Stimulant Laxatives

    • Stimulant laxatives such as Dulcolax, Ex-Lax and Senokot work by irritating the lining of the intestines and causing the stool to speed through the intestine quicker. They shouldn't be used on a regular basis because they can cause the body to become dependent on them to have a bowel movement.

    Saline Laxatives

    • These type of laxatives are used before surgery, an examination of the bowels or to rid the body of food or drug poisoning. They are used in order to empty the bowels quickly by flooding the intestines with water. Products that belong to this category include Milk of Magnesia, Epsom Salt and Fleet Phospho-soda.

    Lactose

    • Products such as Emulose and Cholac relieve chronic constipation. They don't work as fast as other types of laxatives. Lactose laxatives may also be used to reduce the amount of ammonia in the blood. This type of laxative works within one to two days.

    Warnings

    • Laxatives should not be taken with certain medications, including blood thinners (Coumadin), antibiotics (Cipro), and certain heart and bone medicines. Frequent use of laxatives can worsen constipation and may cause severe complications such as nerve, muscle and tissue damage in the large intestine. Children younger than 6 should not be given laxatives without consulting a pediatrician. If you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, pain in the stomach, rectal bleeding or bloody stools, consult a physician immediately as these could be signs of a serious medical problem.

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