Laxatives or laxatives are a group of drugs to treat constipation (CHAPTER) or constipation. In addition, this drug is also used to clean the intestines before certain medical procedures, such as bowel surgery or colonoscopy.
Laxatives should ideally not be used every day and in the long term. This group of drugs should be used in accordance with a prescription and doctor's advice.
In addition to using laxatives, to treat constipation, you are also advised to eat high-fiber foods, drink adequate amounts of water, and exercise regularly.
Types of Laxatives
Based on how they work, laxatives can be divided into:
- Bulk-forming laxatives (bulk forming laxative)These laxatives work by helping the absorption of water in the intestines so that they are able to form stool mass, make it softer or softer, and easier to pass.
- Osmotic laxatives (osmotic laxatives)These laxatives will trigger the movement of water into the intestines so that stools are softer and easier to pass.
- emollient laxatives (emollient laxatives)This laxative will make the stool softer and wetter, making it easier to pass.
- Stimulant laxatives (stimulant laxatives)This drug works by increasing the contractions or bowel movements so that the stool reaches the large intestine and colon faster.
- Saline laxatives (saline laxative)This drug works by increasing peristaltic activity in the large intestine and increasing fluid retention in the intestine.
Warnings Before Using Laxatives
Follow your doctor's advice and read the directions on the package when taking laxatives. Before using laxatives, note the following:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Laxatives should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have difficult bowel movements accompanied by rectal bleeding or signs and symptoms of appendicitis, colitis, or intestinal obstruction.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, kidney disease, lactose intolerance, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or difficulty swallowing.
- Tell your doctor if you have had surgery on the bowel, such as an ileostomy or colostomy procedure.
- Consult a doctor before using laxatives if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Some laxatives may contain phenylalanine, tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria.
- Do not give laxatives to children < 6 years of age or the elderly, without first consulting a doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain supplements, herbal products, or medications, such as opioids.
- Laxatives should not be used every day or in duration or over a long period of time. If you are still having difficulty defecating after 7 days of using laxatives, check back with your doctor for further therapy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after using laxatives.
Side Effects and Dangers of Laxatives
The side effects of laxatives can vary depending on the type of laxative used. However, some of the following side effects can occur after using laxatives, namely:
- Bloated
- Exhale (fart)
- stomach cramps
- Feeling unwell
- Diarrhea that can cause dehydration
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above don't get better or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if constipation does not improve, diarrhea occurs continuously and does not improve, or bleeding from the rectum.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as swelling of the lips and eyelids, a swollen or itchy rash, or difficulty breathing.
Type, Trademark, and Dosage of Laxatives
The dose of laxative used depends on the brand and type of drug, the age and condition of the user, and the purpose of use. The following are common doses of laxatives by type:
1. Bulk-forming laxatives (fiber/fiber)
Polycarbophil
Trademark: -
Medicine form: Powder
For more information about this drug, please visit the polycarbophil drugs page.
Psyllium
Trademarks: Algadiet, Lifiber, Maximus, Mixed Vegetable Powder Drink, Vegeta Scrubber
Drug form: Powder, capsule
For more information about this drug, please visit the psyllium medications page.
Wheat dextrin
Trademarks: Bio Fibrenize, Konilife Digestcare, Surbex Nutri-Fiber
Medicine form: Powder
To get more information about this drug, please visit the wheat dextrin medicine page.
Methylcellulose
Trademark: Citrucel
Drug form: Caplet or powder
For more information about this drug, please visit the methylcellulose drugs page.
2. Emollient laxatives
Docusate
Trademarks: Bufiron, Laxatab, Neolaxa
Drug form: Tablet or capsule
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the docusate drug page.
3. Osmotic laxatives
Lactulose
Trademarks: Constipen, Constuloz, Dulcolactol, Duphalac, Dynalax, Extralac, Graphalac, Lacons, Lactofid, Lactulax, Lactulose, Lantulos, Pralax, Solac, Starlax
Medicinal form: Syrup
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the lactulose medicine page.
Magnesium hydroxide (magnesium hydroxide)
Trademark: Laxasium
Medicinal form: Syrup
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the magnesium hydroxide drug page.
Polyethylene glycol (macrogol)
Trademarks: Daylax, Microlax, Niflec, Rectolax,
Drug form: Enema or powder
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the macrogol drug page.
Glycerin (glycerol)
Glycerin trademarks: Kompolax, Laxadine, Triolax,
Drug form: Syrup, enema, suppository
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the glycerol medication page.
4. Stimulant laxatives
Bisacodyl
Trademarks: Bisacodyl, Custodiol, Dulcolax, Neodulax, Oralax, Prolaxan, Stolax
Drug form: Suppositories, tablets
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the bisacodyl drug page.
Senna (Chinese teak leaf)
Trademarks: Senna Semesta Leaf, Senna Aloe Herb, GNC Herbal Plus Senna Leaf Extract, Senna
Medicinal form: Capsule, pill, tea, powder
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the senna drug page.
Sodium picosulfate (sodium picosulfate)
Trademark: Laxoberon
Drug form: Drops or drinking drops
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the sodium picosulfate drug page.
5. Saline laxatives
Sodium biphosphate (sodium phosphate)
Trademarks: Fleet enema, Fleet Phospho-Soda
Drug form: Enema and oral solution
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the sodium biphospate (sodium phosphate) drug page.
Magnesium Citrate
Trademark: -
Drug form: Oral solution
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the magnesium citrate drug page.