Laxatives: Uses and Risks

Laxatives are substances that promote bowel movements and relieve constipation by softening the stool or increasing bowel motility.
Category
Drug|supplement
Where to get
Available over the counter at pharmacies
Applicable for
Constipation
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Laxatives FAQ


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What is a laxative called?

Laxatives may also be called cathartics or purgatives. What are laxatives used for? Laxatives are used to treat constipation if lifestyle changes have failed to resolve the constipation or if the person has a medical condition (such as angina) that may be exacerbated by straining.

What are laxatives used for?

Laxatives are routinely used to quickly clear the bowel of stool before procedures such as colonoscopy. This is known as bowel preparation or ‘bowel prep’. There are different laxative formulations (oral or rectal) used for bowel prep.

How do laxatives work?

Stimulant laxatives stimulate the nerves in your gut so that the muscles contract more and the stool is pushed through your gastrointestinal tract more quickly. Stool softeners and lubricants make your stool easier to pass by drawing more water and fats into your stool. How do I take laxatives?

How are laxatives categorized?

Laxatives are categorized based on the mechanism of action they exert, as mentioned below. Bulk-forming laxatives: These agents retain fluid in the stool, increasing stool weight and consistency. Psyllium, dietary fiber, and methylcellulose are common examples. It is important to take ample water for bulk-forming agents to work.

What is a laxative used for?

It is used for short periods of time to treat constipation. Lubricants—Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, taken by mouth encourage bowel movements by coating the bowel and the stool mass with a waterproof film. This keeps moisture in the stool. The stool remains soft and its passage is made easier.

Laxatives References

If you want to know more about Laxatives, consider exploring links below:

What Is Laxatives

  1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/laxatives
  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25121-laxatives
  3. https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/laxatives.html
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxative
  5. https://patient.info/digestive-health/constipation/laxatives
  6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906
  7. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-laxatives-1942430
  8. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/laxatives-for-constipation-using-them-safely
  9. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laxatives/
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537246/

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