What Are Laxatives?
Laxatives known for relieving constipation are recommended for short-term use only. These are drugs that relieve constipation by loosening stools or inducing a bowel movement.Laxatives come as granules, tablets, capsules, suppositories, liquids, gums, foods and enemas.
Almost all laxatives are recommended for short-term use.
What are the types of Laxatives?
Common type of laxatives includes:
- Bulking Agents: These laxatives work by increasing the water content and the bulk of the stool, making it move swiftly &easily through the intestinal tract.
Time of Action:These laxatives take 12 to 72 hours to work.
Examples include psyllium, methylcellulose and high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Lubricant Laxatives:It makes stool moves through the intestine very easily, quickly & smoothly by making it slippery.
Time of Action:It typically take 6 to 8 hours to work.
Example includes Mineral oil
- Emollient Laxatives: These stool softeners work by allowing water & fat to penetrate to the stool & making it pass easily through the digestive system.
Time of Action:They take around 12 to 72 hours to bring about the effect.
Examples include Colace and Diocto.
- Stimulant Laxatives:These laxatives produce the action by stimulating the lining of the intestine & expelling the stool out of the body easily.
Time of Action:They are known provide very quick relief
Examples include, Dulcolax, Ex-Lax, Correctol,Senokotand Feen-a-Mint.
- Osmotic and Hyperosmolar Laxatives: These laxative works by drawing fluids from the surrounding tissue into the intestines hence making stool softer and easier to pass.
Time of Action:They take almost 30 minutes to 6 hours to bring the desired action.
Examples include Fleet Phospho-Soda, Milk of Magnesia, lactulose, and Miralax.
What are the Side Effects of Laxatives?
The most common side effects of laxatives are abdominal pain, gassiness andbloating
Remember: When taking a laxative,Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Laxative Abuse
Laxative abuse is often seen when a person takes higher or more frequent doses of laxatives than recommended.
Abusing laxatives is dangerous and can lead to life-threatening or serious complications, such as:
- Severe dehydration
- Chronic constipation
- Electrolyte and mineral imbalances
- Laxative dependence
- Internal organ damage
- Increased colon cancer risk
The overuse of over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives is dangerous so FDA warns & asks for dosing instructions to be followed properly.
Which is the Safest Way to treat Constipation?
Ayurveda is the safest way to relieve from Constipation. Many Ayurvedic Time tested herbs are known since ages for their miraculous effect without any side effect. These are known as Natural Laxatives as they contain goodness of herbs.
What is Natural Laxative?
Natural Laxative is something that is derived from Herbs existing naturally in nature. There are many well-known herbs like Seena, Ispaghula, Triphala, Ajwain, Saunfetc which in combination help in getting a healthy bowel movement. Pet Saffa Natural laxative Granules & Tablets are blend of all these herbs which help in relieving from Acute & Chronic Constipation. It is Safe for Everyday use.
Laxatives – Types, Mechanism of Action & Side Effects, If you have any info or query, please add in comments.
