Prescription laxatives
Although prescription laxatives provide a modest therapeutic benefit, the adverse effects and cost of these drugs have sparked a demand for more natural approaches. Studies have shown that nonmedical approaches are also highly effective. In general, nonmedical laxatives have good safety profiles and can easily implement into daily routines. In addition, patients are more likely to continue with these treatments, despite the potential negative side effects and high costs.
OTC laxatives can be highly effective but there are risks, associated with long-term use. Some OTC laxatives can cause dangerous side effects, such as constipation or bloating. In such cases, a prescription laxative can prescribe by your doctor. While OTC laxatives can be effective, they should only be used occasionally and only for up to a week.
In order to determine the best laxative for you, your healthcare provider will first determine your specific constipation problem. For example, certain laxatives can interact with other medicines. For example, if you take ketoconazole or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, you should not take Cholac/Generlac or Movantik. Also, you should avoid taking sorbitol if you suffer from anuria.
Despite the fact that these medications are widely available, they should only use for a short period of time. If constipation persists for more than a few days, you should seek medical attention. Furthermore, prescription laxatives may be safer than over-the-counter versions.
Although prescription drugs are more expensive than their OTC counterparts, they are still an effective choice when it comes to treating constipation. In addition to being more affordable, they are also better studied and come with more evidence of safety. A bottle of generic polyethylene glycol costs less than $15 per month, whereas the same dose of prescription drugs may cost up to $500 per month.
Over-the-counter laxatives
While over-the-counter laxatives can be a convenient solution for many people, they should take with caution. These products are not intended for long-term use. They should only be used once a week and if you experience constipation more than two or three times a week, you should seek medical attention. A doctor can help you choose the right laxative and recommend a dosage. Your doctor can also counsel you on how to stop using laxatives if you become too dependent.
Constipation can cause by several factors, including poor diet, low fluid intake, physical inactivity, and certain medications. Over-the-counter laxatives can help you eliminate constipation quickly and naturally, but long-term use can be harmful. It can lead to serious side effects, including dehydration, kidney damage, and even death. Rather than turning to laxatives, you should try increasing your fluid intake, practicing proper bathroom hygiene, and avoiding constipation-causing foods.
The effectiveness of laxatives depends on the type of laxative you choose. Some laxatives are quick to work, while others take a few hours. Choose one that works quickly and does not cause side effects. You can also choose a suppository, which bypasses oral absorption. These suppositories may work faster than oral options, producing a bowel movement in minutes or an hour. Remember, suppositories are not meant to be used as a long-term solution.
Among the many over-the-counter laxatives available, osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the intestine. These products are usually safe to use in small amounts, but if you exceed recommended dosage, you could experience serious side effects. Also, it is important to consult a physician before using laxatives for long-term use.
While bulk-forming laxatives can be effective for constipation relief, they can cause bloating and gas, so it is important to use them according to your individual needs and health concerns. You should drink plenty of water while taking these products to avoid fecal impaction, which is the result of too little fiber in the intestine.
Bulk-forming laxatives help to soften the stool and pass it more easily. They are also excellent sources of fiber. However, when used inappropriately, laxatives can cause chronic constipation. In addition, it is important to consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, a moderate amount of whole-grain products, and plenty of liquids.
Natural laxatives
Natural laxatives are a great alternative to over-the-counter laxatives and have minimal side effects. Fiber is a natural laxative. This substance is found in legumes, a family of edible plants, and increases the body’s production of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid, which is essential for regular bowel movements.
Other natural laxatives can be, found in fruits and vegetables. For instance, apple juice is very soothing and can help to relieve constipation. It also contains pectin, a substance that helps to speed the passage of stool. Pear juice is another mild laxative. Apples also contain a high fiber content and can help to relieve constipation.
Taking a daily fiber supplement can help relieve constipation. Coconut oil and olive oil can eate for breakfast as a snack, or added to juice or smoothies. They can also help speed up the passage of food through the digestive system. In addition, you can drink natural tea in the morning to aid digestion and detoxification.
Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fiber. They help you to pass stools and can improve your regularity. Several of these foods are rich in ricinoleic acid. This compound activates a specific receptor in the digestive tract, which increases movement of intestinal muscles. In addition, kiwifruit and prunes are high in pectin, which can have a laxative effect. It can also draw water into the digestive tract, which can help to speed the passage of stools.
Chia seeds can also help to move bowels. Chia seeds expand when combined with liquid, which gives them a gel-like texture. A cup of chia seeds contains 10g of fibre and can make stools move more easily. This natural laxative is best for pregnant women and people who need to move stools often.
Stimulant laxatives
Stimulant laxatives are medications that help people with constipation by stimulating the contractions of the intestinal muscles. This causes bowel movements, but there are several risks to these medications, which you should discuss with your doctor before taking them. They may also interact with other medicines and may cause allergic reactions. You should always check with your doctor before taking any medication, and always consult your pharmacist before changing or stopping your current medication.
Stimulant laxatives are available over-the-counter in the UK. They usually contain bisacodyl or senna, which are fast-acting laxatives. However, in some cases, these medicines are misused, which is why they have been reviewed by the MHRA. The agency has implemented new safety measures for these products, including adding warnings.
Stimulant laxatives can be habit-forming and can cause bowel damage if taken for a long time. Therefore, they are not recommended for children under six years old, and should be used according to the directions on the packaging. A stimulant laxative is, best used in conjunction with a softening agent for maximum benefit.
A computer-assisted search was, conducted to locate relevant studies published between January 1960 and March 2016. The reference lists of published articles were, consulted to find additional citations. However, abstract publications were not included in the review. In addition, we contacted manufacturers of laxatives to seek further information.
Stimulant laxatives can cause damage to the epithelial cells of the colon. They may also affect the intestinal smooth muscle. However, there are fewer risks associated with using stimulant laxatives than osmotic laxatives. They may also be effective in patients who have failed to respond to other laxatives.
Stimulant laxatives often derive from diphenylmethanes. A key diphenylmethane is bisacodyl, which inhibits the absorption of water by acting on prostaglandins and inhibiting Na+,K+-ATPase. Bisacodyl is, commonly found in over-the-counter laxatives. Bisacodyl works within 15-30 minutes of administration.
Stimulant laxatives have two main types: bulk-forming and laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives help the body form soft stools and aid bowel movement. However, they may not be an effective solution for chronic constipation. These laxatives must use for a few days to show results. During this period, patients should drink plenty of fluids.
