What Are The Side Effects Of Laxatives?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • bloating.
  • farting.
  • tummy cramps.
  • feeling sick.
  • dehydration, which can make you feel lightheaded, have headaches and have pee that’s a darker colour than normal.

What to expect after taking a laxative?

Laxatives may cause cramping, bloating, and nausea in some people. Long-term use of laxatives, except for bulk laxatives, can make you dependent on laxatives to go to the bathroom and may mask important constipation symptoms. Laxatives can interfere with how other medications are absorbed.

What happens if you take laxatives everyday?

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.

How long do laxatives take to wear off?

The active ingredients of laxatives can have different half-lives. For example, the half-life of lactulose is about 2 hours while the half-life of bisacodyl is 16 hours . Bulk-forming laxatives don’t have a half-life, because they’re eliminated with your next bowel movement.

What are the side effects of taking laxatives too often?

  • Abdominal pain.
  • Collapse.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Dizziness.
  • Drop in blood pressure.
  • Low blood sugar.
  • Rash.

What is a good laxative to clean you out?

Some popular brands include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-a-Mint) , and sennosides (Ex-Lax, Senokot). Prunes (dried plums) are also an effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too. Note: Don’t use stimulant laxatives daily or regularly.

Do laxatives clean out your colon?

Those interested in performing a colon cleanse (also referred to as colonic irrigation, colon hydrotherapy, and herbal cleansing) may go about it one of several ways. Taking herbal supplements with laxative effects or over-the-counter laxatives may be considered a colon cleanse.

Is it normal for your stomach to hurt after taking a laxative?

Some of the side effects that you can experience with stimulant laxatives include: burping . abdominal cramping . diarrhea .

What happens if you eat after taking a laxative?

For patients taking laxatives containing a stimulant ingredient: Stimulant laxatives are usually taken on an empty stomach for rapid effect. Results are slowed if taken with food .

Why does poop smell so bad after being constipated?

Stool is made up of undigested food, bacteria, mucus and dead cells. It usually smells bad because of the bacteria and parasites , but it also can have compounds that produce an especially unpleasant smell.

Do laxatives make you lose weight?

Laxatives do not reduce body fat or promote long-term weight loss . Even at high doses, stimulant laxatives, which encourage the movement of stool through the digestive tract, have only a “ modest effect ” on calorie absorption.

Is it safe to take a laxative once a week?

In most cases, you should only take laxatives occasionally and on a short-term basis . Using laxatives frequently or every day can be harmful. Using laxatives on a long-term basis can make your body dependent on them, so your bowel no longer functions properly without the medication.

What pills make you poop?

Generic name Selected brand name(s) Type of drug Psyllium, Calcium Polycarbophil, Methylcellulose Metamucil, Fiber, Genfiber, Benefiber, Konsyl, Citrucel, FiberCon Fiber supplement Senna (Sennosides) Senokot, Ex-Lax Laxative Prescription medications Lactulose Enulose, Kristalose Laxative

Is it OK to take Dulcolax everyday?

Dulcolax is recommended for short-term use only. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice. Long-term use of Dulcolax is not recommended. If you take Dulcolax every day, you should consult with your doctor to find out the cause of your constipation .

What are the signs of laxative abuse?

  • Vomiting.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Fainting.
  • Dehydration.
  • Tremors.
  • Kidney damage.
  • Skin rashes.
  • Depression.

Can laxatives cause kidney damage?

The FDA is warning that taking more than the recommended daily dose of OTC sodium phosphate laxative products to treat constipation can cause rare but serious harm to the kidneys and heart, and even death.

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.