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Many stimulant laxatives (but not castor oil) are often taken at bedtime to produce results the next morning (although some may require 24 hours or more). Castor oil is not usually taken late in the day because its results occur within 2 to 6 hours.
- Precautions
Many laxatives often contain large amounts of sugars,...
- Before Using
Laxatives should not be given to young children (up to 6...
- Description and Brand Names
Laxatives are to be used to provide short-term relief only,...
- Laxatives
Try to drink about 8 to 10 glasses of caffeine-free and...
- Precautions
- Symptoms
- Benefits
- Types
- Overview
- Mechanism of action
- Risks
Tired of being constipated and think you might need a laxative? Millions of Americans suffer with symptoms of constipation:
Laxatives contain chemicals that help increase stool motility, bulk, and frequency -- thus relieving temporary constipation. But when misused or overused, they can cause problems, including chronic constipation. A healthy diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products; regular exercise; and drinking at least eight cups of water...
There are different types of laxatives that come in pills, capsules, and liquids; suppositories; and enemas. Each type of laxative has specific benefits and possible side effects. Though using a suppository or enema in the rectum is not as convenient (or pleasant) as swallowing a pill, these manually inserted (or squirted) laxatives often work much...
Fiber is the laxative most doctors recommend for normal and slow-transit constipation. Abdominal cramping, bloating, or gas can occur when abruptly increasing or changing your dietary fiber intake. Fiber is naturally available in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (especially wheat bran). Fiber is also available over the counter in Benefiber, Cit...
Fiber works by increasing the water content and bulk of the stool, which helps to move it quickly through the colon. When taking fiber supplements, it's essential to drink enough water to minimize the possibility of flatulence and a possible obstruction.
People who increase their fiber may abruptly suffer abdominal cramping, bloating, or gas. Gradually increase fiber intake. Also, fiber can reduce your body's absorption of some drugs, so always take your medications at least one hour before -- or two hours after -- consuming fiber.
Jul 10, 2023 · Health Library / Treatments & Procedures / Laxatives treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating your bowels to get moving so you can poop. Common types include bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants and stimulants. Most are available without a prescription.
- Fiber Supplements (Bulk Laxatives) Fiber supplements soften the stool and stimulate a bowel movement. There are three basic types, each of which uses a different ingredient, such as psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, or methylcellulose.
- Osmotic Laxatives. Osmotic laxatives work by increasing the amount of fluid secreted within the intestines, resulting in softer and easier-to-pass stools.
- Stimulant Laxatives. Stimulant laxatives work by triggering contractions in the bowels to move stool through, thus inducing a bowel movement. A stimulant laxative is generally recommended as a short-term treatment for constipation.
- Herbal Stimulant Laxatives. Herbal laxatives contain lanthanides, chemical compounds that stimulate the intestines, improving motility in the gut (in other words, keeping things moving along more quickly).
Sep 19, 2023 · Updated on September 19, 2023. Fact checked by Sarah Scott. Print. Smith Collection / Gado / Getty Images. Key Takeaways. More Americans are relying on laxatives for having regular bowel movements. Gastroenterologists say they don't recommend laxatives as a first-line treatment for constipation.
Jun 30, 2023 · June 30, 2023. Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing. Occasional irregularity is a fact of life, but you can minimize it with some basic steps. You should be sure you are eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking adequate fluids, and staying physically active.
