How do bulk forming laxatives work

A second glass of water or juice may help prevent additional side effects. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label. People with kidney disease or diabetes are at risk of electrolyte imbalances when taking laxatives.

Although your risk may be lower with bulk-forming laxatives, you should still consult your doctor before use if you have either condition. Laxatives may impact how your body absorbs medications. While laxatives may bring relief, they should only be used in the short term, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. To help prevent constipation in the first place, eat a high-fiber diet consisting of whole grains , fruits, and leafy vegetables. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid constipating foods such as cheese or high-sugar, processed foods.

Constipation medications are available in over-the-counter and prescription versions. Find out which options might work well for you. Laxatives can help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Learn more about natural laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives work by increasing the "bulk" or weight of poo, which in turn stimulates your bowel. Osmotic laxatives draw water from the rest of the body into your bowel to soften poo and make it easier to pass. These stimulate the muscles that line your gut, helping them to move poo along to your back passage.

This type of laxative works by letting water into poo to soften it and make it easier to pass. It's difficult to know whether a particular laxative will work better than another.

It depends on the person. Unless there's a reason why a type of laxative may be more suitable for you than another:. Also see a GP if you're still constipated after trying all of the different types of laxative, or you think your child might benefit from taking laxatives. Before using a laxative, read about it in our Medicines guide or the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine to make sure it's safe for you to take.

Find out more about the considerations about laxatives. Some laxatives have to be taken at certain times of the day, such as first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

Ask a pharmacist for advice if you're not sure how to take your laxative. If you're taking bulk-forming or osmotic laxatives, it's important to drink plenty of fluids. Stool softeners do not directly affect the digestive tract muscles and are safe to use in pregnant women and elderly people. Some experts do not classify stool softeners as laxatives.

Long-term use, if bowel movements remain comfortable, is acceptable. Lubricant laxatives simply coat the colon and stool in a waterproof film allowing it to remain soft and easier to slip through the intestine while retaining its moisture, usually within hours. Pregnant women and persons who have difficulty swallowing should avoid lubricant laxatives. An example of a lubricant laxative is mineral oil. Stimulants increase muscle contractions of the digestive system peristalsis to move contents along, facilitating a shorter colonic transit time.

Although individuals often use this type of laxative as a form of self-treatment, they should be reserved for use in extreme conditions and only under the recommendation or supervision of a pharmacist or physician. A risky side effect is that they may cause the colon to stop functioning correctly cathartic colon , which often occurs with daily use after which the body becomes dependent on the stimulant laxative for normal peristaltic activity.

Stimulants taken orally often take hours to have an effect. For patients who have chronic constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome, stimulants may be the only solution but, even then, should only be used for a short term. This form of laxative is not recommended for pregnant women.

Osmotic laxatives encourage bowel movements by drawing water into the bowel from the nearby tissue intestinal lumen thereby softening the stool. Some of these laxatives can cause electrolyte imbalances as they draw out nutrients and other contents with the water, which increases thirst and dehydration.

There are four main types of hyperosmotics: saline, lactulose, polymer, and glycerine. Saline laxatives are essentially salts in liquid; they rapidly empty all the contents of the bowel and are not intended for long-term use or for pregnant women. These generally work within 30 minutes to 3 hours. Not drinking enough fluid can cause blockage in the gut, and make your constipation worse. Your poos will be dry and difficult to pass. Take each dose in or with a full glass or more of water.

This will provide enough liquid for the laxative to work properly. Continue to drink enough water throughout the day.