Laxatives, or stool softeners, are widely available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. They are commonly used to manage symptoms of constipation and a variety of other gastrointestinal disorders.
Laxatives come in several types, depending on their mechanism of action. One of them is the stimulant laxative. These are usually used as the first treatment option for various bowel problems.
This article explains what OTC laxatives are, how they work, and how they are used.
Understanding Stimulant Laxatives
Stimulant laxatives are a type of OTC laxative. They begin to work within a few hours of a single dose. Overall, stimulant laxatives are well tolerated and work quickly to relieve temporary constipation.
Constipation is a common social problem worldwide, and people often self-diagnose and manage it.
The effectiveness of stimulant laxatives varies with dose. Low doses interfere with the absorption of water and sodium. High doses can cause abdominal pain and loose stools. The clinical effectiveness of stimulant laxatives varies widely. However, some people with severe constipation do not benefit from stimulant laxatives.
How does it work?
Stimulant laxatives work by increasing contractions of the intestinal muscles, causing bowel movements. Examples of stimulant laxatives include:
- craftiness
- Bisacodyl
- skin
- Senna
- sodium picosulfate
- castor oil
Usage
Stimulant laxatives are used for the short-term management of constipation. They are also used to empty the large part of the intestine, called the colon, before colonoscopies and other medical procedures.
guideline
Over-the-counter laxatives are a fairly common and safe way to treat occasional constipation, but there may be some exceptions for some people.
You should not use stimulant laxatives if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Allergic reaction to any stimulant laxative
- ileus
- Undiagnosed rectal bleeding
- Appendicitis, which includes symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
Consult your healthcare provider before taking if you:
- diabetes
- High blood pressure
- heart disease
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Common examples of stimulant laxatives
Most stimulant laxatives are sold OTC, and some common brand names contain a variety of active ingredients. These formulations come in a variety of dosage forms, such as liquids, tablets, and rectal suppositories.
Commonly sold OTC brand names include:
- Alopen, Carter's Little Pill, Correctol, Dulcolax, Finn-A-Mint, Fleet Bisacodyl Contains bisacodyl
- Bisac-Evac suppositories, Bisacodyl Uniserts, Dulcolax suppositories, Fleet Bisacodyl enema Contains bisacodyl as a suppository for rectal use
- Black Draft, X-Rocks, Fletcher's Castoria, Nature's Remedy, Perdiem Overnight Relief, Cenexon, Senna X-Prep, Senocort Contains senna
- Dulcolax Pico and Dulcolax Perles contain Sodium picosulfate.
- Ceo-Two Evacuant Suppositories contain sodium bicarbonate and potassium bitartrate.
- castor oil
- Some brands combine two active drugs, such as Correctol 50 Plus (containing docusate and sennoside) and Tridrate Bowel Evacuant Kits (containing bisacodyl, bisacodyl rectal, and magnesium citrate).
What are the side effects of stimulant laxatives?
Laxatives are generally safe over-the-counter medications for constipation. However, they can cause side effects in some people. These include:
If your symptoms worsen or do not go away, contact your healthcare provider.
summary
Stimulant laxatives are the most common OTC laxatives used to manage constipation. They work within a few hours and help relieve constipation symptoms by increasing stomach motility.
These laxatives are generally safe and effective for most people. However, it is important to take only the recommended dose. Large doses can cause side effects such as cramps and diarrhea. Always consult your healthcare provider if your constipation worsens.