Manylaxativesare available as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and people often misuse them.
Bulk-Forming Laxatives
As their name indicates, bulk-forming laxatives work by bulking up your stool.
These laxatives are made of indigestible particles (colloid) which absorb water.
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Bulk laxatives are commonly made of plant fibers like methyl cellulose.
Stool softeners can be taken by mouth or rectally (via suppositories or enemas).
so you can be palatable, mineral oil needs to be mixed with juice.
Additionally, docusate and glycerin suppositories are commonly prescribed in an inpatient or hospital setting to prevent constipation.
Stimulant Laxatives
It is not fully understood exactly how stimulant laxatives or cathartics work.
In this way, osmotic laxatives liquefy your stool.
Osmotic laxatives are considered effective but if overused may cause problems with your bodys water and electrolyte balance.
A high dose must be ingested to produce an osmotic laxative effect.
Laxatives are best used as short-term relief, and you should consult with your physician before you use them.
Never give a child a laxative without speaking with a pediatrician first.
For example,colon cancercan cause constipation by way of obstruction.
Lifestyle changes can often help relieve constipation and obviate the need for laxatives.
Harvard Health Publishing.Natural ways to relieve constipation.
2022;117(4S):S6-S13.
Acosta A, Tangalos EG, Harari D. Constipation.
Chapter 95: Constipation.
McGraw-Hill Education; 2017:13971422.
Chapter 62: Drugs used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
In: Katzung BG, Trevor AJ, eds.Basic & clinical pharmacology.13th ed.McGraw-Hill Education; 2015:10521083.
