![]() sachets of powder you mix with water and then drink.How you take laxative medication depends on the form it comes in, they are commonly available as: Read more about the considerations regarding laxatives. Laxatives aren’t usually recommended for children, unless advised by a doctor, and some types of laxatives may not be safe to use if you have certain conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.īefore using laxatives, carefully read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication to make sure it’s safe for you to take. Things to considerĪlthough laxatives are available over-the-counter, they’re not suitable for everyone. Also see your GP if you’re still constipated after trying all of the different types of laxative, or if you think your child might benefit from taking laxatives. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure which laxative to use. Osmotic laxatives usually start to work after about 2 or 3 days, while stimulant laxatives usually have an effect within 6 to 12 hours. If your stools are soft, but are still difficult to pass, try taking a stimulant laxative in addition to a bulk-forming laxative. If your stools remain hard, try using an osmotic laxative in addition to – or instead of – a bulk-forming laxative. These usually start to work after about 2 or 3 days. Unless there’s a reason why specific laxatives may be more suitable than others (see below), most adults should try using a bulk-forming laxative first. Which laxative should I use?Īlthough laxatives have been around for a long time, there’s a lack of high-quality evidence about exactly how effective they are and whether certain laxatives are better than others. There are also a number of alternative laxatives that are less commonly used, including bowel cleansing solutions, peripheral opioid-receptor antagonists, linaclotide and prucalopride. stool softener laxatives – such as arachis oil and docusate sodium, which increase the fluid content of hard, dry stools, making them easier to pass.stimulant laxatives – such as bisacodyl, senna and sodium picosulfate, which speed up the movement of your bowels by stimulating the nerves that control the muscles lining your digestive tract. ![]() osmotic laxatives – such as lactulose and polyethylene glycol, which soften your stools and make them easier to pass by increasing the amount of water in your bowels.bulk-forming laxatives – such as ispaghula husk and methylcellulose, which work in the same way as dietary fibre they increase the bulk of your stools (faeces) by helping them retain fluid, encouraging your bowels to push the stools out.Laxatives are available over-the-counter, without a prescription, from pharmacies and supermarkets. They’re widely used to treat constipation if lifestyle changes, such as increasing the amount of fibre in your diet, drinking plenty of fluid and taking regular exercise, haven’t helped. Laxatives are a type of medicine that can help you empty your bowels if you’re having trouble going to the toilet.
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