Constipation is present when a person experiences fewer than three bowel movements per week. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, more than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation, accounting for 2.5 million physician visits every year. Patients who experience chronic constipation that does not respond to increased dietary fiber and exercise are treated with laxatives.
Bulk Laxatives
Bulk laxatives add volume and water to the stool making it easier to pass through the intestines. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians website, Familydoctor.org, bulk laxatives are safe to be used everyday to relieve chronic constipation. Examples of bulk laxatives include Metamucil and Citrucel. Patients should start taking bulk laxatives slowly because they cause abdominal bloating and flatulence. Patients should also drink plenty of water together with the bulk fiber so as to prevent hardening of the fiber in the intestines.
Lubricant Laxatives
Lubricant laxatives contain mineral oil which greases the stool and enables the stool to pass easily. Mineral oil also helps stool retain water and this leads to softer stool that is easier to pass. Family.org states that patients should first consult the doctor before using mineral oil because it prevents the absorption of fat soluble vitamins
Stimulant Laxatives
Stimulant laxatives cause the muscles of the intestines to contract and move stool rapidly. They also draw water into the intestines. The main side effects of stimulant laxatives are diarrhea and intestinal cramping. Examples of stimulant laxatives include Senna and Bisacodyl. According to Family.org, chronic use of stimulant laxatives may damage the colon and worsen constipation
Saline Laxatives
Saline laxatives draw water into the intestines that softens stool and enables it to be easily eliminated from the bowels. Examples of saline laxatives include Milk of Magnesia and Citrate of Magnesia. Saline laxatives should not be used by people with kidney diseases and heart problems. The salts in the laxatives may accumulate in the body and lead to toxicity in patients with kidney problems. Laxatives with sodium may worsen high blood pressure and congestive heart failure as well.
Stool Softeners
Stool softeners help stool mix with water making it easier for the stool to pass through the intestines. Colace is an example of a stool softener. Stool softeners should not be used together with mineral oil as increased absorption of mineral oil could occur, leading to toxicity.
