Laxatives

What are laxatives?

Laxatives are drugs used to treat constipation. Constipation is not having regular bowel movements or having trouble passing a stool. Often the bowel movements are small, hard, or dry, making it hard to pass them. It is more common in women. Laxatives help you to produce a bowel movement, or stool, or to make passing a stool more comfortable.

When are they used?

You may have constipation because you:

wait too long to have bowel movements.
do not drink enough fluids.
do not eat enough fiber.
do not have enough physical activity.
use laxatives too often.
are taking a medicine that has a side effect of constipation.
have a medical condition or disease that causes constipation.

How do they work?

There are 4 main types of laxatives. Each type works a little differently.

Bulk-forming products such as Metamucil or other psyllium fiber products make the stool larger. The increase in size helps the stool to move. This kind of laxative should be taken with at least 1 full glass of water or juice. Be sure to take bulk-forming laxatives at least 2 hours before or after other oral medicines. Many people find fiber supplements to be helpful, but in a few cases they make constipation worse. This is the only type of laxative that can be taken long-term.
Stimulant laxatives such as Dulcolax or other products that contain bisacodyl, castor oil, or casanthranol, make the intestines contract to push the bowel movement through. Stimulant laxatives are not recommended for long-term use.
Lubricant laxatives such as mineral oil soften the stool. This makes it easier to pass. This kind of laxative should not be used on a long-term basis.
Saline laxatives such as Fleet Phospho-soda or other products that contain magnesium citrate increase the salt content in the stool. The increased salt pulls body fluids into the stools, making them softer and easier to pass out of the body. Saline laxatives are not recommended for long-term use.

What should I watch out for when taking laxatives?

Laxatives are usually for short-term use, meaning less than 1 week. Bulk-forming products can be used long-term and may be needed by many older adults. If constipation continues for 2 weeks, call your health care provider. Some diseases can cause a change in bowel habits.

Do not use laxatives too much. Laxative abuse occurs when you use too many laxatives or use them too much to try to have normal bowel movements. Laxative abuse can have serious effects:

It can damage the muscular function of the bowel.
You may need more and more of the laxative to get results, until eventually the laxatives do not work.
Excessive laxative use can drain the body of water, vitamins, and minerals.
It can cause kidney stones or kidney failure.
The effects of other medicines can be changed.

How can I take care of myself?

To help take care of yourself:

Eat fresh vegetables and fruit every day.
Exercise regularly according to your health care provider's recommendations. For example, walk for at least 20 minutes every day.
Drink prune juice or eat stewed fruits at breakfast.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Increase the whole-grain fiber in your diet by eating cereals with 5 or more grams of fiber per bowl (for example, shredded wheat or bran flakes).
Take a fiber product like Metamucil or Citrucel if you are constipated. Follow directions on the product label. If the problem continues, tell your health care provider.
Do not use too many laxatives.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File MED4267F.HTM Release 9.0/2006