Causes (1)
- Hypercalcemia
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- Over-the-counter laxatives for constipation: Use with caution
Symptoms (1)
- Symptom Checker
Tests and diagnosis (2)
- Barium enema
- Colonoscopy
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continued:
Over-the-counter laxatives for constipation: Use with caution
Combination laxatives: Check labels carefully
Some products combine different types of laxatives, such as a stimulant and a stool softener. Combination products may not be any more effective than are single-ingredient products. But they may be more likely to cause side effects because of their multiple ingredients. Carefully read labels to see how many types of laxatives a product contains.
Risks of laxative use
Interaction with medications
Your medical history and other medications you're taking may limit your laxative options. Laxatives can interact with blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), antibiotics such as tetracycline and ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and certain heart and bone medications. Before using any laxative, read the label carefully. If you're not sure whether a particular laxative is right for you, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Don't exceed recommended dosages unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Complicating conditions
Just because laxatives are available without a prescription doesn't mean that they're without risk. Laxative use can be dangerous if constipation is caused by a serious condition, such as appendicitis or a bowel obstruction. If you frequently use certain laxatives over a period of weeks or months, they can decrease your colon's natural ability to contract and actually worsen constipation. In severe cases, overuse of laxatives can damage nerves, muscles and tissues of your large intestine.
Unsafe if you're pregnant or under age 6
Don't give children under age 6 laxatives without a doctor's recommendation. If you're pregnant, get your doctor's advice before using laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners are generally safe to use during pregnancy, but stronger laxatives can harm you or your baby. The stimulant laxative castor oil, for example, can cause womb contractions. If you've recently given birth, consult your doctor before using laxatives. Although laxatives are usually safe to use during breast-feeding, some ingredients may pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea in nursing infants.
Don't be lax about laxatives
Talk to your doctor before using laxatives if you have the following:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or rectal bleeding
Call your doctor if you're taking laxatives and have these symptoms:
- Bloody stools
- Constipation doesn't improve after a week of laxative use
If you're dependent on laxatives, ask your doctor for advice on how to gradually withdraw from them and restore your colon's natural ability to contract.
Previous page(2 of 2)
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- Constipation. American Gastroenterological Association. http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=687. Accessed March 3, 2009.
- Tack J, et al. Treatment of chronic constipation: Current pharmacologic approaches and future directions. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. In press. Accessed March 3, 2009.
- Cancer drug guide: Magnesium citrate. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CDG/content/CDG_magnesium_citrate.asp. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- American Gastroenterological Association institute medical position statement on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Bethesda, Md.: American Gastroenterological Association. http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0016-5085/PIIS001650850600864X.pdf. Accessed March 3, 2009.
