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Over-the-counter laxatives for constipation: Use with

Print

caution

Products and services

Over-the-counter laxatives for Advertisement

constipation: Use with caution

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 over-the-

counter laxatives. A number of factors — including a poor diet,
low fluid intake, physical inactivity and several medications — can
disrupt normal bowel function and cause constipation.

Many safe, effective over-the-counter laxatives are available to Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or
treat occasional constipation in a variety of ways. However, it's products. Advertising revenue supports our

very important to read the label directions carefully and to use not-for-profit mission.
them as directed. Overuse of laxatives may cause you to become Advertising & Sponsorship
dependent on them for a bowel movement. Policy Opportunities Ad Choices

Call your health care provider immediately if you have:

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Constipation that lasts longer than seven days despite laxative Clinic Press.

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Before trying laxatives
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How often you have a bowel movement varies, but people
normally have as many as three bowel movements a day to as FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment
few as three a week. You may be constipated if you have fewer
bowel movements than are normal for you. In addition, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book
constipation may involve stools that are difficult to pass because
they're hard, dry or small.

However, before turning to laxatives, try these lifestyle changes to

help with constipation:
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 Eat fiber-rich foods, such as wheat bran, fresh fruits and
vegetables, and oats. The average adult should get 25 to 31
grams of fiber per day.
Drink plenty of fluids daily — about 8 to 10 glasses (8 ounces)
of noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages throughout the day.
Exercise regularly.

Lifestyle improvements relieve constipation for many people, but if

problems continue despite these changes, your next choice may
be a mild laxative.

How laxatives relieve constipation

Laxatives work in different ways, and the effectiveness of each
laxative type varies from person to person. In general, bulk-
forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the
gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and
Citrucel fall into this category.

Here are some examples of types of laxatives. Even though many

laxatives are available over the counter, it's best to talk to your
doctor about laxative use and which kind may be best for you.

Type of
laxative
How they work Side effects
(brand
examples)

Oral Draw water into the Bloating, cramping,

osmotics colon to allow easier diarrhea, nausea,
(Phillips' Milk passage of stool gas, increased thirst
of Magnesia,
MiraLAX)

Oral bulk Absorb water to Bloating, gas,

formers form soft, bulky cramping or
(Benefiber, stool, prompting increased
Citrucel, normal contraction constipation if not
FiberCon, of intestinal muscles taken with enough
Metamucil) water

Oral stool Add moisture to Electrolyte imbalance

softeners stool to soften stool, with prolonged use
(Colace, allowing strain-free
Surfak) bowel movements

Oral Trigger rhythmic Belching, cramping,

stimulants contractions of diarrhea, nausea,
(Dulcolax, intestinal muscles to urine discoloration
Senokot) eliminate stool with senna and
cascara derivatives

Rectal Trigger rhythmic Rectal irritation,

suppositories contractions of diarrhea, cramping
(Dulcolax, intestinal muscles
Pedia-Lax) and soften stool

Oral laxatives may interfere with your body's absorption of some

medications and nutrients. Some laxatives can lead to an
electrolyte imbalance, especially after prolonged use. Electrolytes
— which include calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and
sodium — regulate a number of body functions. An electrolyte
imbalance can cause abnormal heart rhythms, weakness,
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confusion and seizures.

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Combination laxatives: Check labels carefully
Some products combine different types of laxatives, such as a
stimulant and a stool softener. But combination products don't
necessarily work more effectively than single-ingredient products.
In addition, they may be more likely to cause side effects.

A single-ingredient laxative may work better for you. Read labels

to make sure you know what you're taking, and use with caution.

Risks of laxative use

Interaction with medications. Your medical history and
medications you're taking may limit your laxative options.
Laxatives can interact with some antibiotics, and certain heart
and bone medications. Read labels carefully. If you're not sure
whether to try a particular laxative, ask your pharmacist or
doctor. Don't exceed recommended dosages unless your
doctor tells you otherwise.
Complicating conditions. Laxative use can be dangerous if
constipation is caused by a serious condition, such as
appendicitis or a bowel obstruction. If you frequently use
certain laxatives for weeks or months, they can decrease your
colon's ability to contract and actually worsen constipation.
Precautions for pregnant women and children. Don't give
children under age 6 laxatives without a doctor's
recommendation. If you're pregnant, ask your doctor before
using laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners are
generally safe to use during pregnancy, but stimulant laxatives
may be harmful.

If you've recently given birth, consult your doctor before using

laxatives. Although they're usually safe to use during
breastfeeding, some ingredients may pass into breast milk and
cause diarrhea in nursing infants.

Take laxatives with caution

If you're dependent on laxatives to have a bowel movement, ask
your doctor for suggestions on how to gradually withdraw from
them and restore your colon's natural ability to contract.

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March 03, 2022

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