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Laxative every day: Mayo Clinic Q and A: Dealing with chronic constipation

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Mayo Clinic Q and A: Dealing with chronic constipation

  • By

    Liza Torborg

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is it safe to take a stool softener daily to prevent constipation? What are the side effects of doing so long-term?

ANSWER: There currently isn’t any research that has examined the specific long-term side effects of taking a stool softener every day. While the risks associated with taking this kind of over-the-counter medication daily are not likely to be significant, it would be a good idea to talk with your health care provider about your symptoms. Although uncommon, an underlying health condition could be part of the problem.

Constipation typically is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week or other symptoms (e.g., hard stools, excessive straining, or a sense of incomplete evacuation after defecation). Chronic constipation refers to these symptoms when they last for several weeks or longer.

Constipation is a common problem,
and there are many types of laxatives available to help treat it. Stool
softeners, also called emollients, work by drawing fluids into stools, which is
supposed to make them softer. This may make it easier to have a bowel movement
without straining.

Over-the-counter stool softeners are
effective for some people. However, in controlled clinical trials, there is no
evidence that they improve symptoms. While they only are intended for
short-term relief of constipation, using a daily stool softener long-term
probably is not harmful. But there are other ways to help relieve constipation
that often are successful.

Your diet often is one of the main
drivers behind constipation. For many people, dietary changes can be an
effective way to relieve constipation. One example is adding fiber to your diet,
which may increase the weight of your stool and speed its passage through your
intestines. Good sources of fiber include fresh fruits and green, leafy vegetables,
as well as whole-grain breads and cereals. That said, do not add a significant
amount of fiber to your diet quickly. A sudden increase in the amount of fiber
you eat can cause bloating and gas, so start slowly.

When constipation is a problem,
limit foods that can make it worse. In particular, try to avoid foods such as pastries, puddings, sugar, candy, cake and
cheese.

Fluid intake can have an effect on
your bowel function, too. A good goal is to drink 8 ounces of fluid six to
eight times a day. Water is the best choice, but other liquids also can help
you get the fluid you need each day.

A lack of physical activity may contribute
to constipation. If you do not exercise regularly, consider adding some type of
physical activity to your daily routine. This can help relieve constipation.

Depending on your medical history and your symptoms, your health care provider may want to evaluate you for an underlying medical condition that could lead to chronic constipation. For example, a blockage in the colon or rectum or impaired relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles may result in constipation. Nerve and muscle problems can affect the muscles in the colon and rectum, making it difficult for stool to move through the intestines. Conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders may change the balance of hormones in your body, and that can result in chronic constipation as well.

If you do not have a medical issue causing constipation, discuss with your health care provider the best way to manage your condition. Depending on your individual circumstances, a daily stool softener or another simple laxative may be an appropriate remedy. Changing your diet and making other lifestyle changes also are likely to have a positive effect. — Dr. Adil E. Bharucha, Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

****************************

Related Articles

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  • Mayo Clinic Q and A: What’s the best way to boost your fiber intake? published 5/15/18
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Common Side Effects of Laxatives

Constipation and laxatives

The parameters for constipation vary from person to person.

Generally, if you have difficulty emptying your bowels and have fewer than three bowel movements a week, you likely have constipation.

If these infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools continues for several weeks or longer, you’re considered to have chronic constipation.

A laxative is a medicine that stimulates or facilitates bowel movements. There are different types of laxatives available that don’t require a prescription.

Even though these laxatives are readily available at your drug store or online, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your needs and which type may be the best one for you.

There are five primary types of over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives:

Oral osmotics

Taken orally, osmotics help make the passage of stool easier by drawing water into the colon. Popular brands of osmotics include:

  • MiraLAX
  • Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia

Oral bulk formers

Taken orally, bulk formers prompt normal intestinal muscle contraction by absorbing water to form a soft, bulky stool. Popular brands of bulk formers include:

  • Benefiber
  • Citrucel
  • FiberCon
  • Metamucil

Oral stool softeners

Taken orally, stool softeners work like the name implies — they make hard stools softer and easier to pass with less strain. Popular brands of stool softeners include:

  • Colace
  • Surfak

Oral stimulants

Taken orally, stimulants encourage bowel movements by triggering rhythmic contractions of the intestinal muscles. Popular brands of stimulants include:

  • Dulcolax
  • Senokot

Rectal suppositories

Taken rectally, these suppositories soften stool and trigger rhythmic contractions of the intestinal muscles. Popular brands of suppositories include:

  • Dulcolax
  • Pedia-Lax

Following are the common potential side effects of the five primary types of OTC laxatives.

Oral osmotics

Possible side effects include:

  • bloating
  • gas
  • cramping
  • diarrhea
  • thirst
  • nausea

Oral bulk-formers

Possible side effects include:

  • bloating
  • gas
  • cramping
  • increased constipation (if not taken with enough water)

Oral stool softeners

Possible side effects include:

  • loose stools

Oral stimulants

Possible side effects include:

  • burping
  • cramping
  • urine discoloration
  • nausea
  • diarrhea

Rectal suppositories

Possible side effects include:

  • cramping
  • diarrhea
  • rectal irritation

As with any OTC medication, read the laxative label carefully and talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it’s a viable choice for you and your current state of health.

Just because laxatives are available OTC doesn’t mean that they’re without risks. If you’re considering using laxatives, understand that risks can include:

Interaction with other medications

Among other medications, laxatives can interact with certain heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications.

This information is often on the label. But to be safe, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the laxative you’re considering and how it might interact with the other medications you’ve been prescribed.

Complications

If your constipation is caused by another condition — such as diverticulosis — frequent or long-term laxative use can worsen constipation by decreasing your colon’s ability to contract.

The exception is bulk-forming laxatives. These are safe to take every day.

Dehydration

If laxative use results in diarrhea, your body can become dehydrated. Diarrhea can also lead to electrolyte imbalance.

Breastfeeding

If you’re breastfeeding, some ingredients can pass to your baby through your breast milk, possibly causing diarrhea or other problems. Talk with your doctor before using any laxative.

Dependency

Overuse of laxatives (other than bulk formers) can result in the intestines losing muscle and nerve response, which can lead to dependency on laxatives to have a bowel movement.

If you find yourself in this situation, your doctor should have suggestions on how to remedy laxative dependency and restore your colon’s ability to contract.

When you have constipation and are using laxatives, make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience unexplained changes in bowel pattern or constipation lasting longer than seven days (even with using a laxative).

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • rectal bleeding
  • bloody stools
  • severe cramps or pain
  • weakness or unusual tiredness
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • skin rash or itching
  • swallowing difficulty (feeling of lump in throat)
  • irregular heartbeat

If you don’t get constipated, you won’t need laxatives.

To help treat constipation and avoid it in the future, consider making these dietary and lifestyle changes:

  • Adjust your diet so you’re eating more high-fiber food, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain cereals, and bran.
  • Reduce your consumption of low-fiber foods, such as processed foods and dairy products.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Get regular exercise.
  • Manage stress.
  • When you feel the urge to pass stool, don’t ignore it.
  • Create a regular schedule for bowel movements, such as after meals.

For the treatment of occasional constipation, you have a choice of a number of safe, effective OTC laxatives. If you decide to use one, read the label directions carefully and only use it as directed.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to help choose a laxative that won’t interact with other medications you’re taking or otherwise put you at risk.

If you have chronic constipation, see your doctor. They can tailor a plan of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes to help you treat and avoid future problems with bowel movements.

My daughter drinks a laxative every day!!! I’m worried

My daughter drinks every day …

40 responses

Last –
Go to

#1

9000 3

#2

Guest

and I wonder how she is functions later 🙂 or does not leave the house?

She takes a laxative, sits in the toilet for half an hour, and then goes to school

#4

#5

and lose weight and health benefits

I had anorexia, I took a laxative

result – dysbacteriosis, digestive problems, brittle nails, hair loss 900 03

judging by the topic, she teenager growing up

#6

#7

90 071 09 May 2012 13:47

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

drank it at one time, now for nothing, only an enema

eat lots of fruits and vegetables, they are weak and good for health

#14

#15

#16

Guest

9. . you are 30 and you say such nonsense – “too strengthened the intestines.” How? Bisacodyl?? you didn’t strengthen, but “planted” the excretory system, accustomed the body to laxatives, now it’s “with difficulty”, after such experiments people often become captives of laxatives and enemas

#17

on the topic I go to the toilet every day, myself, if the problem with the intestines needs to be treated, and not drunk on laxatives.

#18

#19

#20

#21

Sasha T

I had anorexia, I took a laxative

result – dysbacteriosis, digestive problem, brittle nails, hair loss with difficulty”, after such experiments, people often become prisoners of laxatives and enemas

These are the most typical consequences of taking a laxative. The author, explain this to your daughter, let him stop regularly eating this muck. How is your daughter eating? With good nutrition, there should be no constipation. Maybe she has some kind of indigestion.

#22

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#28

#29

Anna

And I drink a laxative, I do enemas almost every day, because already lost the ability to go to the toilet on her own due to diets. And an enema for me is not a remedy for a “flat stomach”, but a medicine for bloating, pain and discomfort in the intestines. You have to eat everything right. I’ve been living this way for 5 years and I can’t get out of this vicious circle and nothing will help. If I stop cleansing the intestines, I will die from severe constipation and the poison will be absorbed into the blood. It has already been so. And the most important thing is that the doctor does not understand one thing – I INDEPENDENTLY do not go to the toilet at all. There is no point in judging me, because everything is running and to cure everything you need a lot of money and free time, which is unacceptable for me. And neither senna, nor phytomucil, nor vegetables, nor fruits, nor prunes, nor duphalac .. nothing helps.

#29

Anastasia

Here I am too..I can’t go to the toilet on my own at all..constipation..the doctor prescribed just prunes, just fruits, vegetables, ke fir. .summary: additional inflammation from the stagnation of these products in the intestines..fermentation processes are a nightmare..I’m drinking Phytolax now..it seems normal..but I think it’s bad
if you drink them for a long time..

#30

#31

Vera

There are enough specialists. July 28, 2018 Yes find you doctor normal! Yes, it’s even impossible to read calmly – what you write. I’m shocked! Do you want to kill yourself?! “You have to eat everything exactly.” ??? !!!

#32

Eve

And which doctor? Whom only did not contact…

#32

#35 9000 3

Guest

what exactly does he drink? what is the name of?

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    Anastasia

    Here I am too. .I can’t go to the toilet on my own at all..constipation..the doctor prescribed just prunes, just fruits, vegetables, ke fir. .summary: additional inflammation from the stagnation of these products in the intestines..fermentation processes are a nightmare..I’m drinking Phytolax now..it seems normal..but I think it’s bad if you drink them for a long time..

    Guest

    9.. you’re 30, and you’re talking nonsense like “strengthened the intestines too much.” How? Bisacodyl?? you did not strengthen, but “planted” the excretory system, accustomed the body to laxatives, and now it’s “with difficulty”, after such experiments people often become prisoners of laxatives and enemas

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    I drink Senadexin every day and I’m thinner.

    !!!!! already in 2 weeks it took 5 kg

    02 #1

    #2

    #3

    #4

    9read about hydrocolonotherapy …

    #7

    #8

    Kira

    and you will have chronic constipation first, and then the kg will come, only twice as much

    9001 4

    #9

    guest 9

    . 14:17

    #13

    madam

    how much old feces can be in the intestines?

    #14

    guest

    Keep drinking The intestines will get used to it, then it will be difficult without a laxative. This is the worst way to lose weight.

    #15

    guest

    Keep drinking. The intestines will get used to it, then it will be difficult without a laxative. This is the worst way to lose weight.

    #16

    Guest

    Guest

    Keep drinking. The intestines will get used to it, then it will be difficult without a laxative. This is the worst way to lose weight.

    No, there are worse things. Diuretic.

    #17

    madam

    like this!!!

    #18

    Guest

    sooo much! this is a fact 14

    #21

    Zuzunika

    A little more and without senna you won’t be able to poop. You will be walking around pharmacies all your life !!!

    #22

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    #23

    Deniz

    I hesitate to ask – where exactly are they all located? Why don’t they come out naturally???

    #24

    #25

    #26

    Guest

    The drug Senadexin has such side effects that I would not recommend taking this drug even according to indications, and even more so without indications. Have pity on your intestines.

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      #27

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      #29

      I will professionally select a course of Thai tablets (Thai bears) just for you. I accompany you during the entire course of taking the drugs. I not only explain the intricacies of the reception, but also give recommendations on nutrition. RESULT GUARANTEE. Delivery throughout Russia to the door.

      Call 8-917-536-72-17 or write to [email protected]

      Tanya

      #30

      #31

      Aliks

      Can you advise an effective way to make the intestines work?

      #32

      #33

      #34

      Aliks

      Thank you, what’s the best way to cook them?

      And drink water during the day.

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      #38

      #39

      Therefore, in a number of countries, sennadexin has not been used in medical practice for a long time.

      #40

      Guest

      Drink, drink. Firstly, you deprive your body of nutrients, they simply do not have time to be absorbed properly, secondly, you wean the intestines from working, thirdly, this does not solve the problem, just as you did not know how to eat, you still don’t know how, you won’t spend your whole life on laxatives. Soon you will be with bad hair, nails, skin, with constant constipation, but THIN! Only this is not for long, the kg lost in this way will bring with them 2 times more. And do not smack nonsense about chronic feces. So drink, madam, drink, but don’t forget that skinny cow

      is not yet a gazelle.

      #41

      Vika forced side effects not related to periodic use (i.e., it can develop in one dose of the drug): sudden acute vascular collapse, tremor, confusion, bradycardia, hypotension, peritonitis, colitis, renal and hepatic insufficiency, intestinal melanosis, electrolyte excretion, osteoporosis, hypocalcemia, muscular tic, sinus node conduction disorders, acute abdomen syndrome, spastic constipation, intestinal obstruction, intestinal atony, decreased hemoglobin, vasculitis, and many others. etc. Therefore, in a number of countries, sennadexin has not been used in medical practice for a long time.

      #42

      Guest

      Guest

      Drink, drink. Firstly, you deprive your body of nutrients, they simply do not have time to be absorbed properly, secondly, you wean the intestines from working, thirdly, this does not solve the problem, just as you did not know how to eat, you still don’t know how, you won’t spend your whole life on laxatives. Soon you will be with bad hair, nails, skin, with constant constipation, but THIN! Only this is not for long, the kg lost in this way will bring with them 2 times more. And do not smack nonsense about chronic feces. So drink, madam, drink, but do not forget that a thin cow is not yet a gazelle.

      It’s better to be a skinny cow than a healthy 90 kg gazelle!

      #43

      #44

      #45

      Loom

      Hello to all who suffer from constipation and obesity. She has lost 25 kg. The recipe is very simple, so that senna does not remove all the vitamins, but only unnecessary feces! Recipe: 300 grams of prunes, 300 dried apricots, 300 grams of sesame seeds, crustaceans seeded leaves; we twist everything in a meat grinder; put in a jar and eat at 18. 00 3 tablespoons of such yummy with tea. 2.5 months and 25 kg is gone. And vitamins remain and feces come out and no harm to the body!

      #46

      It’s better to be a skinny cow than a healthy 90 kg gazelle![/quote]

      Absolutely agree with you. There are a lot of chubby ladies who have healthy hair, but a dirty head !, extended nails, or even worse, their own healthy, but not well-groomed. And it is not necessary to drink Senadexin until the body is completely addicted. You can also go on a diet and pump up some muscles.

      Attention

      #47

      Wool

      Hello to all who suffer from constipation and obesity. She has lost 25 kg. The recipe is very simple, so that senna does not remove all the vitamins, but only unnecessary feces! Recipe: 300 grams of prunes, 300 dried apricots, 300 grams of sesame seeds, crustaceans seeded leaves; we twist everything in a meat grinder; put in a jar and eat at 18.