Laxatives

The drugs which are used for emptying the bowels if the person has a difficulty passing stools are known as laxatives. Laxatives are also helpful for easing constipation. These are available as over the counter drugs.

There are various types of laxatives and they function in different ways. Four of the most commonly used laxative types are:

• Bulk-forming laxatives which are otherwise called the fibre supplements like Fybogel as well as Celevac
• Stimulant laxatives like Normax as well as Senakot
• Osmotic laxatives like Microlette and Movicol
• Stool softener laxatives Dulcoease and Docusol.

Use of laxatives

Laxative may used occasionally for easing constipation. One must use laxatives on a short term only. But one should opt for increasing the fibre content in their food as well as drinking plenty of water to ease constipation before opting for a laxative.

If laxatives need to be used for a long time, then one has to seek the advice of a doctor.

The other conditions where a person may have to use laxatives are:

• If a person is using certain drugs like antacids, antidepressants or analgesics like codeine, he may experience constipation as the side effect. Then one can opt for laxatives.
• If a person is suffering from conditions like hypothyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome or any other conditions affecting the mobility, then the person will have to opt for laxative as he may develop constipation.
• Persons who are suffering from angina as well as haemorrhoids will have to strain while passing stools. In such cases, one is advised to use laxatives.
• If a person has to undergo surgery, then his bowels must be emptied before the procedure. So he will be given laxative for ensuring that the bowel is empty.
• A woman may develop constipation while she is pregnant due to changes in the hormone that may slow the movements of the bowels. The she must consult a doctor who will advise her laxatives.
• Even if a person drinks water in plentiful quantities and intakes diet which is rich in fibre, he may experience constipation. This condition is known as underactive bowels. One is advised to opt for using laxatives at this time.

Usage

Adults

There is a normal tendency for most of the people to use laxatives. But one must consult with a doctor before using laxatives because the same laxative cannot be used by everyone. If a person is suffering from the following conditions then one can use laxatives on the advice of the doctor:

The person has bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.
The person is suffering from any damage to the kidneys or liver
The woman is pregnant or she is breastfeeding.

Toddlers and babies

Babies who have not yet started solid food cannot be given laxatives. They must be first given water between two feeds. For babies who have started their solid food, laxatives may be used as the final option.

Older children

As with babies, children must be given whole grain foods, fruits, other foods which are rich in fibre must be given before opting for laxatives.