There are also many types of over-the-counter laxatives, so choosing the right one may seem a little tricky. How does each type work? How is each used? Let us help you sort some of this out. A laxative is a substance that you use to help you have a bowel movement.
A stool softener is a type of laxative, called an emollient laxative. So, all stool softeners are laxatives, but not all laxatives are stool softeners. In fact, there are many types of laxatives. Because many different things can cause constipation, laxatives work in different ways to resolve your constipation.
Some work on your stool, some work on your intestine, and others work on both your stool and intestine. All laxatives are used to relieve constipation. Some may be a better choice for you than others, though, especially depending on how long you need to use them and how harsh the ingredients can be on your body.
Considerations for use: Stool softeners are gentle enough to prevent constipation with regular use. Find a selection of emollient laxatives here. Active ingredients: psyllium , methylcellulose, and calcium polycarbophil. How it works: It forms a gel in your stool that helps hold more water in your stool. The stool becomes bigger, which stimulates movement in your intestine to help pass the stool more quickly.
Considerations for use: Bulk-forming laxatives can be used for longer periods and with little risk of side effects.
However, they take longer than other laxatives to work. Find a selection of bulk-forming laxatives here. Active ingredient: mineral oil. How it works: It coats your stool and intestines to prevent water loss. It also lubricates your stool to help it move more easily. Considerations for use: Mineral oil is not for use on a regular basis. Lubricant laxatives are typically only good options for immediate relief of short-term constipation.
Find a selection of lubricant laxatives here. How it works: It draws more water into your intestines. This helps soften the stool to help it move more easily. Considerations for use: Hyperosmotic laxatives can also be used for longer periods with little risk of side effects. Find a selection of hyperosmotic laxatives here. How it works: It draws more water into the intestine. This softens the stool and stimulates movement in your intestines to help you pass it.
Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of bisacodyl and sodium picosulphate in the treatment of chronic constipation over a 4-week period. Patients were treated daily for 4 weeks bisacodyl, mg daily: 70 patients; sodium picosulphate, mg daily: 74 patients. Primary efficacy criteria consisted of the number of bowel movements and stool consistency. Secondary efficacy criteria were straining at stool and physicians' global efficacy assessment.
ISMP is a nonprofitorganization whose mission is to understand the causes of medicationerrors and to provide time-critical error-reduction strategies to the healthcare community, policy makers, and the public.
Throughout this series,the underlying system causes of medication errors will be presented tohelp readers identify system changes that can strengthen the safety oftheir operation. ISMP's Web address is www. Discounts are available for organizations with multiple pharmacy sites. This newsletter is delivered electronically. For more information, contact ISMP at , or send an e-mail message to community ismp. Caution: Dulcolax Name Extensions. January 1, Report Medication Errors.
Related Content: Publications.
0コメント