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What happens if you use too much laxative?
Can laxatives cause diarrhea?
Can laxatives cause constipation?
Sep 19, 2023 · Laxative abuse can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, worsen constipation, increase the risk of UTIs, and damage the organs that interact with the digestive tract. Constipation is turning into a booming business opportunity in the United States, with Americans spending hundreds of millions of dollars on laxatives each year.
Aug 12, 2023 · Diarrhea. Using laxatives excessively can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, gas, loose stool, and diarrhea. Laxative abuse can also cause rectal irritation, in part because watery stools overload rectal tissues with fluids. This can lead to an increased risk of infection and bleeding during bowel movements.
- Laura Dorwart
- Before Using
- Proper Use
- Precautions
- Side Effects
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Laxatives should not be given to young children (up to 6 years of age) unless prescribed by their doctor. Since children usually cannot describe their symptoms very well, they should be checked by a doctor before being given a laxative. The child may have a condition that needs other treatment. If so, laxatives will not help, and may even cause unwanted effects or make the condition worse. Mineral oil should not be given to young children (up to 6 years of age) because a form of pneumonia may...
Geriatric
Mineral oil should not be taken by bedridden elderly persons because a form of pneumonia may be caused by the inhalation of oil droplets into the lungs. Also, stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl or casanthranol), if taken too often, may worsen weakness, lack of coordination, or dizziness and light-headedness. Polyethylene glycol 3350 should be discontinued if diarrhea occurs, especially in elderly persons in nursing homes.
For safe and effective use of your laxative: 1. Follow your doctor's instructions if this laxative was prescribed. 2. Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself. With all kinds of laxatives, at least 6 to 8 glasses (8 ounces each) of liquids should be taken each day. This will help make the stool softer. For patients ...
Do not take any type of laxative: 1. if you have signs of appendicitis or inflamed bowel (such as stomach or lower abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, soreness, nausea, or vomiting). Instead, check with your doctor as soon as possible. 2. for more than 1 week unless your doctor has prescribed or ordered a special schedule for you. This is true even...
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Aug 28, 2018 · Side effects. Risks. Severe side effects. Prevention. Takeaway. Constipation and laxatives. The parameters for constipation vary from person to person. Generally, if you have difficulty...
- Scott Frothingham
- 6
Jun 30, 2023 · Common side effects are gas, bloating, and nausea. Another option that works for some people is diet candies containing the sweetener sorbitol. These essentially trigger a mild case of the runs.
- hhp_info@health.harvard.edu
Jan 26, 2024 · Laxatives can help relieve and prevent constipation. But not all laxatives are safe for long-term use. Overuse of certain laxatives may lead to dependency and decreased bowel function. By Mayo Clinic Staff. If you've ever been constipated, you may have tried nonprescription laxatives.
Mar 1, 2024 · Skin rash. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.