What is the best laxative for a lazy bowel?
According to the NIDDK , OTC laxative options include:
- fiber supplements, including Citrucel, FiberCon, and Metamucil.
- stool softeners, such as Colace and Docusate.
- osmotic agents, such as Milk of Magnesia and Miralax.
- lubricants, such as mineral oil.
- stimulant laxatives, such as Correctol and Dulcolax.
Are laxatives bad for your colon?
The overuse of laxatives can lead to electrolyte disturbances, dehydration and mineral deficiencies. Laxative abuse can also cause long-term and potentially permanent damage to the digestive system, including chronic constipation and damage to the nerves and muscles of the colon.
Should you eat after taking a laxative?
Stimulant laxatives are usually taken on an empty stomach for rapid effect. Results are slowed if taken with food.
Do laxatives get rid of all the poop?
Laxatives flush water and waste from the intestine, but they do not flush calories from the body. Constipation. With laxative abuse, the intestines lose muscle and nerve response. The intestines then become dilated and ineffective in moving stool out.
What happens if you take a laxative on an empty stomach?
When a larger dose is taken on an empty stomach, the results are quicker. When a smaller dose is taken with food, the results are delayed. Therefore, large doses of saline laxatives are usually not taken late in the day on an empty stomach.
Which is the best laxative for bowel movements?
Stimulant laxatives Stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl and cascara trigger contractions in the bowels that push the stool along. “When bowel movements are slow, some people really do need stimulant laxatives,” Dr. Wolf says. The first choice she recommends is a senna-based stimulant laxative.
How often can you take a laxative for constipation?
Adults and children over 12 can take 1 to 3 tablets in a single daily dose for up to 7 days. If this is the first time taking a laxative for constipation, we recommend taking 1 to 2 tablets in a single daily dose.
When to take Dulcolax tablets for bowel movements?
Take tablets 30 to 60 minutes before your normal bedtime to produce a bowel movement the next morning. With experience, you may increase your daily dosage to 2 or 3 tablets, if needed. For children under 12 years of age, refer to the Dulcolax ® Laxative Tablets Drug Facts for dosing information.
What are the side effects of taking laxatives?
Consider wearing a protective pad in your undergarments to absorb any leakage. If the conservative route doesn’t work, Dr. Wolf recommends the osmotic laxative MiraLAX or a generic version. These hold water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements. Common side effects are gas, bloating, and nausea.