![]() ![]() These types of measures are a better way of preventing constipation than excessive use of laxatives. Stop taking a laxative when your constipation improves.Īfter taking a laxative, to help stop constipation returning you can make certain lifestyle changes, such as drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly and including more fibre in your diet. Ideally, laxatives should only be used occasionally and for short periods of time. Never take more than the recommended dose of laxatives because this can be harmful and cause troublesome side effects (see below). This is because these laxatives can cause dehydration. While taking bulk-forming or osmotic laxatives it’s particularly important to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Ask your pharmacist for further advice if you’re still not sure how to take your medication. Read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication so you know how to take it properly. Some laxatives are also designed to be taken at certain times of the day, such as first thing in the morning or last thing at night. liquids or gels that you place directly into your back passage.suppositories – a capsule you place inside your back passage (rectum), where it will dissolve.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.
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