Laxativesincrease or induce defecation (discharge of feces from the body).
They are often available over-the-counter (OTC) and are used to manageconstipationby producing bowel movements.
Laxatives belong to different classes and work in several ways to improve bowel movements.
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Thesymptoms of constipationusually ease within a few days after using these or similar products.
However, if OTC medications are not alleviating the symptoms, call your healthcare provider for a prescription laxative.
Usually, common laxatives are given orally or via the rectal route of administration.
Constipation is characterized by fewer bowel movements than average.
When a person experiences constipation, stool can be hard, dry, and painful to pass.
Mostly, constipation is not a severe issue and typically does not last long.
However, there are some cases where it can become a chronic problem.
Chronic constipation affects up to 20% of the population.
It can significantly negatively impact the quality of life and causes significant psychological distress.
When non-medical management is ineffective, laxatives can be a reliable drug choice.
Different types of laxatives are available with other active ingredients and dosage forms.
How Quickly Do Laxatives Work?
Overall, laxatives are an effective, safe way of resolving constipation.
Additionally, how quickly a laxative begins to work and for how long it works may vary.
These can be active ingredients, the dose given, and the route of elimination.
It should be taken one to three times daily to achieve its intended effect.
Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can help determine which laxative best suits you or a loved one.
Below outlines the four major types of laxatives and how they’re used to manage constipation.
Dietary fiber effectively relieves mild to moderate, but not severe, constipation.
Typically, recommended dietary fiber intake is 20 to 35 grams (g) daily.
Bulk laxatives work similarly to the fiber present in a person’s diet.
Fiber foods include whole wheat bread, unrefined cereals, and vegetables.
Bulk laxatives promote the absorption of water into the bowels.
In some people, these agents also delay gastric (stomach) emptying and depress appetite.
Bulk laxatives also carry the ability to delay feelings of hunger.
Bulk laxatives make stools larger and softer, making them easier to pass.
They take 12 to 24 hours to start producing effect and 48 to 72 hours for their full effect.
Stool softeners work by allowing the passage of water to soften the stool and make them easier to pass.
Emollients take 12 to 72 hours to work.
Stool softeners are used on a short-term basis to relieve constipation.
The fluid increase helps soften stool and promote intestinal discharge, facilitating its passage through the bowel.
Lactulose laxatives are often used for the treatment of long-term or chronic constipation.
The onset of action takes 24 to 72 hours, longer than other osmotic laxatives.
Examples of lactulose laxative products include the brand-name product, Generlac.
Saline: These laxatives contain salts in liquid and are used as a short-term treatment for constipation.
Saline takes 30 minutes to three hours to work.
Examples of saline laxatives include Phillips Milk of Magnesia.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG-ES): PEG-ES is in a class of medications called osmotic laxatives.
It works by causing watery diarrhea so that the stool can be emptied from the colon.
It gives watery diarrhea to ease the passage of stool from the colon.
PEG-ES also contains electrolytes to prevent dehydration and other serious side effects from fluid loss as the colon empties.
It may take two to four days to produce a bowel movement.
One such brand-name example of a medication that contains PEG-3350 is MiraLax.
Notably, one study found PEG-3350 more effective than lactulose in treating chronic constipation.
Once inserted, the medication dissolves and enters the bloodstream.
Suppositories can work in different ways depending on their active drug.
Usually, bisacodyl and glycerol are given as suppositories to treat constipation.
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxatives.
It stimulates the bowels' muscles, increasing the intestines' activity to cause a bowel movement.
Suppositories can also work to soften the stool to ease stool movement.
Generally, laxative suppositories typically cause a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes.
you could consult a healthcare provider before taking laxatives if you already have an electrolyte imbalance.
Interaction with medications: Laxatives can interact with some antibiotics, heart and bone medications.
Ask your healthcare provider before taking laxatives if you are taking these medicines.
Frequent use of laxatives for weeks or months can decrease the colon’s ability to contract and worsen constipation.
Children: Don’t give laxatives to children under 6 years old laxatives without asking a healthcare provider.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:If pregnant, ask your healthcare provider before using laxatives.
Potential Side Effects
OTC laxatives are pretty common and a safe way to manage constipation.
But excessive use of these laxatives may leave you dependent on them for bowel movements.
There may be some side effects of using laxatives.
However, occasionally laxative therapy is not the only treatment for constipation.
Non-medical management that can be helpful includes lifestyle modification, dietary changes, exercise, and laxative therapy.
Keeping yourself physically active by changing your exercise and lifestyle routine can also make a difference.
Summary
Constipation makes it difficult for a person to pass stool.
It may cause to have three or fewer bowel movements in a week.
The stool can be hard, dry, and painful to pass.
In most cases, it lasts a short time and is not severe.
In some cases, the constipation becomes chronic and needs medical management.
The first line of management is OTC treatments like laxatives.
There are different kinds of laxatives available that work to provide relief.
Call your healthcare provider if using laxatives does not relieve the symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laxatives are a reliable and standard treatment option for people suffering from constipation.
They are effective and safe when used in the recommended dosage.
According to a scientific study, the average stool frequency is between three per week and three per day.
Nonetheless, there can be variations regarding gender, demographics, and genetic makeup.
Constipation has been associated with a deficiency of dietary fiber.
Dietary fiber effectively relieves mild to moderate, but not severe, constipation.
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