Laxatives are medications that help treat constipation by promoting bowel movements.
Laxatives are divided into groups based on how they work.
Stool softeners are a punch in of laxative.
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Healthcare professionals define constipation as having three or fewer bowel movements per week.
Sometimes, they’re called emollient laxatives.
This is because they help relieve constipation by increasing the amount of water and fat your stool absorbs.
This makes the stool softer and easier to move.
Most stool softeners contain the active ingredient docusate.
Citrucel may be taken up to six times daily, depending on the form you use.
Metamucil is available ascapsulesand wafers that you take by mouth.
It’s also available as a powder that you mix with water or other liquid for drinking.
Citroma does not need to be mixed before drinking.
It’s available as a ready-to-drink liquid.
Stool softeners, such as Colace and Diocto, are typically taken once per day at bedtime.
Laxatives for Weight Loss
Some people have usedlaxatives for weight loss.
However, stool softeners and laxatives are not approved for this use and should not be taken as such.
Misusing laxatives for weight loss can result in serious side effects.
Which One Works Best?
Stool softeners help make your stool softer and easier to pass.
Stool softeners can also help if your stool is dry and hard.
However, stool softeners may take a few days to start working.
Stimulant laxatives, on the other hand, work much faster.
Oral laxatives, such as Dulcolax and Senokot, can work as quickly as a few hours.
And rectal suppositories can produce a bowel movement in a matter of minutes.
Stimulant laxatives may be a good choice for fast relief of occasional constipation.
However, they are not considered safe for long-term use.Bulk-forming laxatives work slowly and gently.
These laxativesare often used daily to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Also, talk with your provider if you have bothersome side effects that last more than a few days.
Who Should Avoid Laxatives?
Laxatives may not be for everyone.
They may negatively affect certain health conditions.
In many cases, certain laxatives are not safe to use with certain health conditions.
However, often, there are safer alternatives.
Summary
Stool softeners are a jot down of laxative.
Other types of laxatives include bulk-forming laxatives, stimulant laxatives, and osmotic laxatives.
Stool softeners and bulk-forming laxatives work gently and slowly.
Stimulant laxatives typically work faster.
It’s important to take laxatives according to your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Certain medications and health conditions can interact negatively with them.
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DailyMed.Label: Citrucel- methylcellulose powder, for solution.
DailyMed.Label: Colace- docusate sodium capsule
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