Constipation, a common digestive discomfort, can often be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. If you’re experiencing infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, you’re likely searching for “What To Take For Constipation.” Nonprescription laxatives can offer temporary relief, but it’s crucial to use them wisely and understand their implications for your health.
Many factors can contribute to constipation, including dietary habits, inadequate fluid intake, lack of physical activity, and certain medications. While laxatives can provide a quick fix, they are not a long-term solution and should be used judiciously. Overusing certain types of laxatives can lead to dependency and may even impair your natural bowel function over time.
It’s essential to be aware of when constipation requires more than just OTC remedies. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Severe stomach cramps or intense abdominal pain: This could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
- Unexplained changes in your bowel habits: Significant shifts in frequency or consistency of stools without an obvious dietary change warrant investigation.
- Severe diarrhea: While laxatives aim to relieve constipation, excessive diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding: These are alarm symptoms that require prompt medical evaluation to rule out serious causes.
- Constipation lasting longer than seven days despite using laxatives: Persistent constipation may signal an underlying issue that needs professional diagnosis and management.
- Unusual weakness or excessive tiredness: These symptoms, when coupled with constipation, could point to electrolyte imbalances or other health problems.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: This can also be a sign of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, particularly with laxative use.
Before Reaching for Laxatives: Lifestyle First
Bowel movement frequency varies greatly among individuals. Some people have bowel movements multiple times a day, while others may go only a few times a week. Constipation is generally characterized by fewer bowel movements than usual for you, or stools that are hard, dry, small, and difficult to pass.
Before considering laxatives, prioritize lifestyle modifications. These natural approaches are often effective in relieving and preventing constipation and should be your first line of defense:
- Increase Fiber Intake with Fiber-Rich Foods: Fiber adds bulk to your stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Good sources of dietary fiber include wheat bran, whole grains, oats, fresh fruits (especially with skin), and vegetables. Aim for the recommended daily intake of 25 to 31 grams of fiber for adults. Gradually increase fiber intake to avoid gas and bloating.
- Stay Hydrated by Drinking Plenty of Fluids Daily: Adequate fluid intake is crucial for soft stools. Water helps soften stool and facilitates its passage through the intestines. Aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses (8 ounces each) of caffeine-free and alcohol-free fluids throughout the day. Water, juice, and clear broths are good choices.
- Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Exercise stimulates bowel muscle activity, helping to move waste through your digestive system more efficiently. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Even a daily walk can be beneficial.
For many individuals, these lifestyle adjustments are sufficient to alleviate constipation. However, if constipation persists despite these changes, a mild laxative might be considered as a next step.
Understanding How Laxatives Work and Choosing the Right Type
Laxatives work through various mechanisms to ease constipation. The effectiveness of each type can differ from person to person. Generally, bulk-forming laxatives or fiber supplements are considered the gentlest option for your body. It’s always advisable to consult your healthcare provider before starting any laxative, even those available OTC, to determine the safest and most appropriate type for your specific situation.
Here’s a breakdown of common types of nonprescription laxatives:
| Type of Laxative (Brand Examples) | How They Work | Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Osmotics (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, MiraLAX, Magnesium Hydroxide, Polyethylene glycol) | Draws water into the colon from surrounding tissues to soften stool, making it easier to pass. | Bloating, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, gas, and increased thirst. Magnesium-based osmotics may not be suitable for individuals with kidney problems. |
| Oral Bulk Formers (Benefiber, Citrucel, FiberCon, Metamucil) | Absorbs water in the intestines, increasing stool bulk and softening it. This bulk stimulates the intestinal muscles to contract and move stool. | Bloating, gas, cramping, or potentially increased constipation if not taken with sufficient water. It’s essential to drink plenty of fluids when using bulk-forming laxatives. |
| Oral Stool Softeners (Colace, Surfak, Docusate Calcium) | Increases the amount of water and fat in the stool, softening it and making bowel movements more comfortable and strain-free. | Generally well-tolerated, but prolonged use can potentially lead to electrolyte imbalances. |
| Oral Stimulants (Dulcolax, Senokot, Bisacodyl, Senna/Sennosides) | Stimulates the intestinal muscles to contract rhythmically, pushing stool through the digestive tract. | Belching, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea. Senna and cascara derivatives can cause urine discoloration. Stimulant laxatives are generally intended for short-term use. |
| Rectal Suppositories (Dulcolax, Bisacodyl, Pedia-Lax suppositories) | Directly stimulates the rectal muscles to contract and softens stool locally, promoting a bowel movement. | Rectal irritation or discomfort, diarrhea, cramping. |
It’s important to note that oral laxatives can interfere with the absorption of certain medications and nutrients in your body. Furthermore, long-term use of some laxatives can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can have serious health consequences. Electrolytes like calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and sodium are vital for regulating numerous bodily functions. An imbalance can result in heart rhythm abnormalities, muscle weakness, confusion, and even seizures.
Combination Laxatives: Read Labels Carefully
Some laxative products combine different types of laxatives, for example, a stimulant and a stool softener. While convenient, combination products are not necessarily more effective than single-ingredient options and may actually increase the likelihood of side effects due to the combined actions.
Often, a single-ingredient laxative tailored to your specific needs may be a better choice. Always carefully read product labels to understand what you are taking and use combination laxatives with extra caution.
Risks and Precautions Associated with Laxative Use
Using laxatives improperly or excessively carries several risks:
- Potential for Drug Interactions: Your medical history and any medications you are currently taking can influence which laxatives are safe for you. Laxatives can interact with a wide range of medications, including certain antibiotics, heart medications, and bone medications. Always read labels thoroughly and consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure about potential interactions. Adhere to recommended dosages and avoid exceeding them unless specifically directed by your doctor.
- Complications with Underlying Medical Conditions: Laxative use can be dangerous if your constipation is a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition, such as a bowel obstruction (intestinal obstruction). In such cases, laxatives can worsen the situation.
- Risk of Laxative Dependency: Prolonged and excessive laxative use, especially stimulant laxatives, can actually worsen constipation over time. This is because the colon can become reliant on laxatives to stimulate bowel movements, reducing its natural ability to contract and function independently.
- Precautions During Pregnancy and for Children: Never give laxatives to children under 6 years old without consulting a healthcare professional. If you are pregnant, it’s crucial to discuss laxative use with your healthcare team before taking any. While bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy, stimulant laxatives may pose risks.
- Precautions for Nursing Mothers: If you are breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using laxatives. While some laxatives may be safe, certain ingredients can pass into breast milk and potentially cause diarrhea in your nursing infant.
Using Laxatives Responsibly
Incorrect laxative use can lead to significant health problems. If you find yourself needing laxatives regularly for bowel movements, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare team. They can help you develop a plan to gradually reduce your reliance on laxatives and restore your colon’s natural ability to function effectively. Addressing the underlying cause of your chronic constipation with medical guidance and lifestyle adjustments is the key to long-term digestive health.
References
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- Friedman S, et al., eds. Chapter 22: Chronic constipation and fecal incontinence. In: Greenberger’s Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy. 4th ed. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Nov. 14, 2023.
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