Can You Buy Laxatives Over The Counter
Many safe, effective over-the-counter laxatives are available to treat occasional constipation in a variety of ways. However, it's very important to read the label directions carefully and to use them as directed. Overuse of laxatives may cause you to become dependent on them for a bowel movement.
can you buy laxatives over the counter
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.
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.
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.
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. These usually start to work after about 2 or 3 days.
Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you're unsure which laxative to use. 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.
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.
After 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. These types of measures are a better way of preventing constipation than excessive use of laxatives.
Excessive or prolonged use of laxatives can also cause diarrhoea, intestinal obstruction (where the bowel becomes blocked by large, dry stools) and unbalanced levels of salts and minerals in your body.
Babies who are eating solid foods may be able to use laxatives, but you should first make sure your baby drinks plenty of water or diluted fruit juice and increase the amount of fibre in their diet. If they're still constipated, your GP may prescribe or recommend a laxative.
Constipation can usually be treated with medicines called laxatives. Many laxatives are available over-the-counter (OTC). This means you can buy them at the store without a prescription from your doctor. Some may be called stool softeners or fiber supplements.
To reduce your risk of side effects, you should start slowly. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking bulk-forming laxatives. Gradually increase how much you use until you get the results you want.
Some people are at risk for electrolyte imbalances while taking certain laxatives. They include children and people who have diabetes or kidney disease. Electrolytes are substances in your body. They help your nerves, organs, and muscles work properly.
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has taken action to reduce abuse and overuse of these products, and new packs will begin to appear in stores over the summer. Additional label warnings make clear that stimulant laxatives do not help with weight loss.
Anyone with regular bouts of constipation is advised against the long overuse of stimulant laxatives (including products containing bisacodyl, senna or sodium picosulfate) which can result in damage to the digestive system, including chronic constipation and damage to the nerves and muscles of the colon.
Instead, they should talk to a healthcare professional, who will provide advice, first on trying alternatives, such as diet and lifestyle changes, but also on switching to other products such as bulk laxatives, which work in the same way as fibre to increase the bulk of stools.
The new guidelines have been introduced following a review into the safety of these medicines. The review, by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), was prompted by concerns regarding the overuse and misuse of stimulant laxatives by patients with eating disorders, overuse in the elderly and use in children without medical supervision.
The new guidelines restrict the use of stimulant laxatives sold in retail outlets to patients over the age of 18. Pharmacists will be able to sell stimulant laxatives for use in children aged 12 and over.
Stimulant laxatives work by stimulating the muscles that line your gut, helping them to move stools along the back passage.13.9 million packs were sold in the UK in 2016 and approximately 1 million of these were prescribed.
Before buying over the counter laxatives speak to the pharmacist to explain your symptoms, any health problems you may have, and any medicines you are taking. This will help them decide on the best treatment to help you.
It's important to read and follow the information the laxatives come with. Depending on the laxative you have there may be specific instructions. For example, it's important to drink plenty of fluids if you're taking bulk-forming or osmotic laxatives, as they can cause dehydration.
People having opioid type painkillers often have constipation. Drugs such as methylnatrexone (Relistor) and naloxegol (Moventig) can help. It reduces constipation in people having opioid painkillers when other laxatives have not worked.
Herbal products aren't necessarily all safe. Although they are natural products and you can buy them over the counter at a health shop, some might be harmful to take alongside cancer treatment. So it is very important to let your doctor know if you are planning to take any herbal medicine alongside your cancer treatment.
Laxatives contain chemicals that help increase stool motility, bulk, and frequency -- thus relieving temporary constipation. But when misused or overused, they can cause problems, including chronic constipation. A healthy diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products; regular exercise; and drinking the equivalent of at least eight 8oz cups of water daily can help prevent constipation in most people. The fluids can be not just water, but teas, soup and other forms of liquids.
There are different types of laxatives that come in pills, capsules, and liquids; suppositories; and enemas. Each type of laxative has specific benefits and possible side effects. Though using a suppository or enema in the rectum is not as convenient (or pleasant) as swallowing a pill, these manually inserted (or squirted) laxatives often work much faster to relieve symptoms.
Fiber is the laxative most doctors recommend for normal and slow-transit constipation. Abdominal cramping, bloating, or gas can occur when abruptly increasing or changing your dietary fiber intake. Fiber is naturally available in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (especially wheat bran). Fiber is also available over the counter in calcium polycarbophil (Equalactin, Fibercon), methylcellulose fiber (Citrucel), psyllium (Fiber-Lax. Konsyl, Metamucil), and wheat dextrin (Benefiber).
As the name implies, lubricant laxatives make stools slippery. The mineral oil within these products adds a slick layer to the intestine's walls and stops the stool from drying out. Though highly effective, lubricant laxatives are best used as a short-term cure for constipation. Over a longer period, mineral oil can absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the intestine, and decrease certain prescription drugs from being fully absorbed into the body. Do not take mineral oil at the same time as other medications or supplements.
Commonly known as "stool softeners," emollient laxatives such as Colace (or generic Colace) contain docusate, a surfactant that helps to "wet" and soften the stool. Although it might take a week or longer for emollient laxatives to be effective, they are frequently used by those who are recovering from surgery, women who have just given birth, or individuals with hemorrhoids.
"The wetter the better," is the osmotic laxative's mission. These products include Fleet Phospho-Soda, lucatose (Kristalose), magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia or MOM), lactitol (Pizensy), and polyethylene glycol (Miralax) -- all hydrating agents that draw fluids into the intestine from the surrounding tissues. More water in the intestine results in softer stools that are easier to pass. It's imperative to drink a lot of water with osmotic and hyperosmolar laxatives, not only for the laxative to be effective, but to decrease the possibility of gas and cramps.
If you're completely miserable and need almost instantaneous relief from constipation, the stimulant laxatives will do the job. This type of laxative works by stimulating the lining of the intestine, thereby accelerating the stool's journey through the colon. Stimulant laxatives also increase a stool's hydration. Some popular brands include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-a-Mint), and sennosides (Ex-Lax, Senokot). Prunes (dried plums) are also an effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too. Note: Don't use stimulant laxatives daily or regularly. This type of laxative may weaken the body's natural ability to defecate and cause laxative dependency. One more caveat: the stimulant laxatives may cause cramping and diarrhea.
Adults and children over 12 years old can use 1 Dulcolax Laxative Suppository a day for up to 7 days. Children 6 to under 12 years of age can use suppository a day. For children under 6 years of age, consult a doctor. If you need to use a laxative for more than 7 days, please stop using and discuss with your doctor.
There are many types of laxatives. Because many different things can cause constipation, laxatives work in different ways to resolve your constipation. Some work on your stool, some work on your intestine, and others work on both your stool and intestine. 041b061a72