Can You Take Too Much Ex Lax?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can you take too much Ex Lax? Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor.

Serious side effects may occur with overuse of this medication

(see also Side Effects section). It may take 6 to 12 hours before this medication causes a bowel movement.

What happens if you take Ex Lax everyday?

Complications. If your constipation is caused by another condition — such as diverticulosis — frequent or long-term use can

worsen constipation by decreasing your colon's ability to contract

. The exception is bulk-forming laxatives. These are safe to take every day.

How many ex LAX can you take in a day?


adults and children 12 years of age and older


2 tablets once or twice daily
children 6 to under 12 years of age 1 tablet once or twice daily children under 6 years of age ask a doctor

What happens if you take more than 2 laxatives?

What happens if you take too much Ex Lax?

Symptoms.

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea

are the most common symptoms of a laxative overdose. Dehydration and electrolyte (body chemicals and minerals) imbalance are more common in children than adults. Below are symptoms specific to the actual product.

How often is too often to take laxatives?

Stimulant laxatives.

These laxatives should never be used more than

once every three days

because they can cause your bowel to lose its ability to contract. A common example of a stimulant laxative is bisacodyl (Dulcolax and Correctol).

How much laxative is too much?


More than one dose a day

of popular laxatives used to treat constipation could have dangerous — even deadly — side effects for adults and children, federal health officials warned Wednesday.

How long does it take for Exlax to wear off?

It takes about 8-12 hours for it to kick in. The only negative I have to say about it is that the effect continues for

up to 48 hours

. This is not something I can take during a work day. I take it after work when I start my weekend.

Is Ex Lax habit forming?

They stimulate the nerves in the walls of the large intestines and cause intestinal contractions as well as fluid and electrolyte changes, and

can be habit- forming

. In addition, tolerance develops, meaning that higher and higher doses are needed to obtain the same effect.

What happens when Exlax doesn't work?

If stool softeners aren't providing enough help,

the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version) is good next step

. These products hold water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements.

Why can't I poop even after taking laxatives?

If you're not having bowel movements as often as you used to,

usually it's no cause for worry

. Often, constipation will go away on its own within a few days or get better after you use laxatives or another constipation treatment.

What are the side effects of Ex Lax?


Stomach/abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, diarrhea, or weakness

may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication may cause your urine to turn reddish-brown. This effect is harmless and will disappear when the medication is stopped.

Can too much laxative hurt you?

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.

What laxative makes you poop instantly?


Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative

that works by increasing the amount of fluid/salts in the intestines. This effect usually results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. The normal frequency of bowel movements varies from once daily to 1 to 2 times weekly.

What is the safest laxative to take everyday?

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.

Do laxatives work if you have a blockage?

Most cases of bowel obstruction need some form of medical intervention. Treatment options for bowel obstruction can include: Medication: Opioids can lead to constipation. If this occurs,

laxatives and stool softeners can help

.

Will impacted stool eventually come out?


It won't go away on its own

, and it can lead to death if it's allowed to worsen. The most common treatment for a fecal impaction is an enema, which is special fluid that your doctor inserts into your rectum to soften your stool.

What are the signs of laxative abuse?

Signs and Symptoms of Laxative Abuse


Recurring bouts of chronic constipation and diarrhea

. Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as chronic bloating, heartburn, and gas. Tremors and spasms. Cramping and/or shaking muscles.

Can taking laxatives hurt your kidneys?


Laxative abuse can cause hypokalemia and volume depletion

. Hypokalemia, in turn, can lead to rhabdomyolysis. Laxative-induced hypokalemia and volume depletion have been previously reported to cause renal insufficiency, but not severe enough to require hemodialysis.

Does Ex-Lax soften your stool?


It works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass

.

How long without pooping is considered constipation?

The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them just a few times a week. Going longer than

3 or more days

without one, though, is usually too long.

Why do I feel like I need to poop but I cant?

The constant urge to pass a stool, and the abdominal pain that may go with it, can be caused by

constipation, a stomach bug, lactose intolerance, or a more serious problem like irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning, or a bowel obstruction

.

Is it OK to take stool softener every day?

Can you take stool softeners every day?

No, and you shouldn't need to take stool softeners every day

. Don't take stool softeners for more than one week unless you're under the direction of your healthcare provider. If you have sudden changes in your bowel habits that last longer than two weeks, call your provider.

Should I keep eating if constipated?

You may think that cutting back on food will help “clear out” your colon. That's not the case. Do this:

Eating, especially healthy whole foods that contain fiber, helps your body move stool

.

Why am I constipated even though I drink water?

If you drink enough water but still experience this issue, reach out to your doctor.

You may have an underlying disorder, such as gastroparesis or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

. Certain diseases, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes and colon cancer, may cause constipation, too.

What should I do if I haven't pooped in 3 days?

  1. Eat fiber-rich foods or take a fiber supplement. …
  2. Stay hydrated. …
  3. Get regular exercise. …
  4. Train the bowels. …
  5. Stop taking certain dietary supplements. …
  6. Talk to a doctor about medication usage. …
  7. Try taking laxatives.

How many pounds of poop is in your colon?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the average man in the U.S. weighs 195.7 pounds, and the average woman weighs 168.5 pounds. This means

a man of average weight produces about 1 pound of poop

and a woman of average weight produces about 14 ounces of poop per day, contained in your large intestine.

How do you get stuck poop out?

  1. Lean forward when you are sitting on the toilet with your hands resting on your thighs.
  2. Make sure that your knees are bent and are higher than your hips (it may help to use a footstool if your toilet is high or you are not very tall)

How do you push poop out when constipated?

Are bananas good for constipation?

Bananas are high in fiber


Fiber has long been claimed to help prevent and relieve constipation

( 2 , 3 ). Soluble fiber absorbs water, helping stools stay large and soft. This may help improve the movement of stool through your digestive tract ( 4 ).

Is Ex-Lax habit forming?

They stimulate the nerves in the walls of the large intestines and cause intestinal contractions as well as fluid and electrolyte changes, and

can be habit- forming

. In addition, tolerance develops, meaning that higher and higher doses are needed to obtain the same effect.

How does Ex-Lax help lose weight?

When should you not take Ex-Lax?

Ex-Lax Warnings

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

Do not give laxatives to children under 6 years old

unless you talk to your doctor. You should not use this laxative for longer than 1 week unless approved by your doctor.

How long does Ex-Lax stay in your system?

It takes about 8-12 hours for it to kick in. The only negative I have to say about it is that the effect continues for

up to 48 hours

. This is not something I can take during a work day. I take it after work when I start my weekend.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.