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Your body loves fiber
Occasional constipation is natural, and if you are considering an over-the-counter remedy, your first choice should be a bulk-forming laxative. By creating bulk or swelling in the intestines, bulk-forming laxatives basically "pump" up the bowels and move things along as naturally as your body would. During times of irregularity, it's the most "natural" laxative you can use. However, if you find that you are chronically constipated or using laxatives habitually, consult a physician to find the cause and treat it effectively.
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Bulk Up Without Going to the Gym
- Do not use bulk laxatives if you are allergic to cellulose or malt-soup extract.
- Drink plenty of water so that the bulk laxatives can work efficiently; if you don't hydrate your body sufficiently, you can cause even more constipation.
- It's best to take bulk laxatives with meals.
- If you develop a rash, rectal bleeding, or rectal pain after taking bulk laxatives, don't take any more; see your doctor immediately.
- Mix bulk laxatives with the proper amount of liquid directed in the instructions; not enough liquid can result in choking.
- If you have intestinal ulceration or adhesions, see your doctor before using bulk laxatives; in rare instances, bulk laxatives can provoke impacted bowels.
Coping with Constipation
- Constipation is often caused by low-fiber diets. Iincrease your vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
- Increase your daily exercise -- sedentary living can slow the bowels.
- Defecate when you feel the urge to pass a bowel movement; this is particularly hard when you are traveling, but it's an important part of keeping yourself regular.
- Don't become dependent upon laxatives -- regular use can impair your bowel-movement timing.
- Ask yourself if you are really constipated; the average person passes a bowel movement anywhere from three times a day to three times a week.
Laxatives Are Not a Quick Fix
- Use caution; laxatives are powerful and can cause intestinal spasms and excessive fluid loss.
- Do not use stimulant laxatives for more than a week.
- Your body may become dependant upon stimulant laxatives if you use them frequently or for a prolonged period of time.
- Phenolphthalein and antraquinones such as aloe, cascara sagrada preparations, and senna are stimulant laxatives that may discolor the urine; this is a benign side effect and nothing to worry about.
- Excessive use of any stimulant laxative can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, and loss of salts and minerals; treat for dehydration in the case of overdose or excessive use.
- Castor oil is a time-honored laxative that stimulates the small intestines to evacuate the bowel; it has been approved for modern over-the-counter use but is still considered a potentially dangerous medication when used excessively or extensively over a long period of time.
- Bulk-forming laxatives are the most "natural" of pharmaceutical options. In the case of pregnancy or long-term use of antidepressants and aluminum-containing antacids, constipation can be a chronic problem. Using bulk-forming laxatives may be the only option in these situations. Consult your doctor.
- Use as little laxative as possible to successfully relieve your constipation.
When Laxatives Should Not Be Used
- Do not use in the case of appendicitis.
- Do not give this type of laxative to children under age 2.
- Do not take laxatives for more than a week. Prolonged constipation may indicate that something more serious is wrong.
- Avoid using laxatives if you have a stomachache, nausea, or vomiting.
- If you begin to bleed rectally after taking a laxative, stop taking the medication and see your doctor.
Don't Forget About Dehydration
Discontinue laxatives if you show symptoms of overdose or dehydration, including the following:
- Muscular cramps
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Extreme thirst
- Dry mouth
- Skin texture changes
- Cold feeling in your arms and legs
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Bulk-forming laxatives
Bulk-forming agents are typically recommended as the first line of treatment for constipation. They include natural and synthetic agents that swell in intestinal fluid to increase the bulk and water content of stools, making them easier to eliminate. These agents work slowly but naturally, usually having an effect in 12 to 24 hours. Common bulk-formers are methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, malt soup extract, and polycarbophil.
| Bulk Forming | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Malt Soup Extract | ? | Malt soup extract is safe and effective, but it is not known exactly how it works. There is no proof that it relieves anal itching, as has been claimed. | | Methylcellulose | ? | Safe and effective in the amounts usually ingested. You must drink water when taking these laxatives. | | Plantago seeds | ? | May cause color changes in the kidney tubules, plus other minor side effects. Not commonly found in nonprescription products. | | Polycarbophil | ? | Of all the bulk-forming ingredients, polycarbophil absorbs the most liquid. It is nontoxic and has no undue effects on nutritional status, digestive enzymes, or digestion itself. It should be taken with water. |
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FDA-Approved Uses
Bulk-forming laxatives
- For relief of occasional constipation and irregularity.
- Generally produces bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.
Recommended Dosage
| Bulk-Forming Laxatives | | Drug | Adults & Children Over Age 12 | Max. Daily | Children Ages 6 to 12 | Max. Daily | Children Under Age 6 | Max. Daily |
|---|
| Methylcellulose | 4 to 6 grams | Refer to package or consult a physician | 1 to 1.5 grams | Refer to package or consult a physician | Refer to package or consult a physician | | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium | 4 to 6 grams | Refer to package or consult a physician | 1 to 1.5 grams | Refer to package or consult a physician | Refer to package or consult a physician | | Malt Soup Extract | 12 to 64 grams | Refer to package or consult a physician | | Refer to package or consult a physician | Refer to package or consult a physician | | Polycarbophil | 1 to 6 grams | Refer to package or consult a physician | 1 to 3 grams | Refer to package or consult a physician | Refer to package or consult a physician |
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Warnings
Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:- Allergy to any bulk-forming laxatives
- Intestinal blockage
- Rectal bleeding
- Symptoms of dehydration
Or if you:- Are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Develop fecal impaction
- Develop rectal bleeding
- Failed to have a bowel movement after treatment
Or if you are taking:- Digoxin (Lanoxin): may decrease digoxin absorption and effect
- Other laxatives: may increase laxative side effects
- Tetracyline (Sumycin): may decrease tetracycline absorption and effect
- Warfarin (Coumadin): may decrease warfarin absorption and effect
Common Side Effects
Infrequent to Rare Side Effects
- Belching
- Constipation
- Nausea
Effects of Overdose
- Severe constipation
- Stomach cramps
What to Do in Case of Overdose
- It is unlikely that an overdose of this medication will cause life-threatening symptoms. If you are still concerned, please seek the advice of your health professional.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Government Sources
- 1. Food & Drug Administration.Federal Register 1/15/85.
- 2. Food & Drug Administration.Federal Register 10/1/86.
- 3. Food & Drug Administration.Federal Register 9/2/93.
- 4. Food & Drug Administration.Federal Register 9/9/97.
Books
- 1. Covington, TR et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, Eleventh Ed. American Pharmaceutical Assoc. Washington, DC 1996.
- 2. Kastrup EK et al. Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons.
- 3. Inlander, CB and Slamans, S.The Over-the-Counter Doctor. Cader Books. New York, NY 1997.
- 4. Zimmerman, DR.Zimmerman's Complete Guide to Nonprescription Drugs, Second Ed. Gale Research, Inc. 1983.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
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