Are you suffering from constipation? Have you ever used laxatives?

Then you might find this article useful. This post will let you know all about laxatives.

A laxative is a medication you use to help you have a bowel movement. There are various types of laxatives. Because many different things can make you constipated, laxatives work in different ways to resolve your constipation. Some may work on your stool, some may work on your intestine, and some work on both.

Some may be a more suitable choice for you than others. It depends on how long you need to use them and how harsh the ingredients can be on your body.

All laxatives are used to relieve constipation, so choosing the right one can be a little tricky. Thus, let us help you sort some of this out.

I’ll show you how to stop laxative diarrhea and more in this article.

I had earlier shared: Do Laxatives Help You Lose Weight?. I hope you read the post.

Types of laxatives

Here are types of laxatives. It would help determine types of laxatives before coming to the next section.

Emollient laxative

It helps wet and soften the stool. Emollient laxative works as stool softeners.

Stool softeners are gentle to prevent constipation with regular use. However, they’re less effective for treating constipation. Therefore, they’re best for people with temporary constipation.

Bulk-forming laxative

It produces a gel in your stool that helps hold more water in your stool. As a result, the stool becomes bigger, stimulating movement in your intestine to help pass the stool more quickly.

Bulk-forming laxatives can use for longer periods. They are a good option for people with chronic constipation. But, they take longer than other laxatives to work. So you shouldn’t use them continuously for longer than one week.

Lubricant laxative

It coats your stool and intestines to limit water loss. It lubricates your stool to help it move easily.

Mineral oil is not for regular use. It can interfere with your body’s absorption, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Lubricant laxatives are typically the only good options for immediate relief of occasional constipation.

Learn more: Can You Eat Too Much Fiber?

Hyperosmotic laxative

It draws more water into your intestines, which helps soften the stool to help it move more easily.

Hyperosmotic laxatives can use for longer periods with little risk of side effects. Like bulk-forming laxatives, they are a good option for people with chronic constipation, but they take longer than other laxatives to work. So, you shouldn’t use them continuously for longer than one week.

Saline laxative

It draws excess water into your intestine, which softens the stool and stimulates movement in your intestines to help stools pass out.

Saline laxatives should not use regularly. If used regularly, they can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in your body.

Stimulant laxative

It stimulates and increases the movement of your intestines.

Stimulant laxatives also should use regularly. If used regularly, they can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in your body.

Let’s go over some of the laxative possible side effects…

I have already shared a post related to this topic: Constipation Cure . I hope you read this post.

Side effects of using laxatives

Here are side effects that you can experience with laxatives include:

Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Nausea
Burping

Also, you may notice that your urine turns a brownish-red color when you’re taking a laxative.

As always, discuss with your doctor about side effects of any medication you’re taking. Consult with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects while taking laxatives:

Irregular heartbeat
Faintness
Confusion
Muscle aches
Fatigue or weakness
Skin rash

Let’s think about another important question people ask is how to stop laxative diarrhea? Well, the answer to this question is given in the next section.

You must read this article: Constant Headache And Fatigue Every Day.

How to stop laxative diarrhea?

Laxatives are meant to cause diarrhea, so they work either by drawing water into the stomach or causing the intestines’ muscles to contract. But, taking too much of a laxative can cause diarrhea.

You should avoid certain foods when you have laxative diarrhea, including fried and greasy foods. Avoid fruits and vegetables that can cause gastric problems, such as broccoli, beans, peas, berries, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.

How to ease symptoms in the meantime?

Drink enough water and juices to help avoid dehydration.
Take OTC anti-diarrhea medications to relieve pain from gas and bloating.
Take enough rest to help slow the digestive process.

I recommend you to read these posts that will help you: How Do You Know If You Are Dehydrated?

Here, I will tell you home remedies to stop diarrhea fast at home in the below section.

How to stop diarrhea fast home remedies?

Home remedy for vomiting and diarrhea:

Get plenty of rest
Avoid stress
Avoid dairy
Avoid caffeine
Eat saltine crackers
Avoid greasy, spicy, or high in fat and sugar foods.
Follow the BRAT diet
Drink lots of clear fluids like water, broth, clear sodas, and sports drinks.

If you are suffering from laxative diarrhea, I recommend taking Imodium A-D Anti-Diarrheal. Buy With Confidence…

Imodium A-D Anti-Diarrheal Softgels with loperamide HCl help you control and effectively treat diarrhea symptoms, often in just one dose.

How to stop diarrhea fast medicine?

You can stop diarrhea fast with one of two different kinds of over-the-counter medication, Imodium (loperamide) or Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).

How to stop stomach cramps from laxatives?

Laxatives are often associated with overuse and the laxative habit. For example, if laxatives are taken on an empty stomach, you are more likely to have stomach cramps.

How to ease symptoms in the meantime

Drink plenty of water
Take ibuprofen if you have cramps.
Eat yogurt
Drink milk
Avoid spicy foods
Avoid gas-producing veggies
Avoid bubbly drinks
Try chamomile tea

Must read: Best Homeopathic Medicine For Stomach Problems

Below is a list of brand names of laxatives in the next section.

Here I found a great product for those suffering from stomach cramps and laxative diarrhea.

Some brand names of laxatives

You’ll find many brands of laxatives in various forms, such as liquids, powders, chewable, tablets, and suppositories. Here are some brand names:

Ex-Lax
Senexon
Fletcher’s Castoria
Senokot
Black Draught
Feen-A Mint
Correctol
Dulcolax
Carter’s Little Pills

Next, we will discuss when people shouldn’t use a laxative.

When to avoid laxatives?

You shouldn’t use a laxative if you have:

Previous allergic reaction to any laxatives
Any intestinal blockage
Experience undiagnosed rectal bleeding
Signs of appendicitis

Also, before using laxatives, speak to your doctor about your current health conditions, especially if you have:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease

Also, inform your doctor if you’re a pregnant or breastfeeding mother.

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding laxative diarrhea.

Also see: What is Icd 10 Encopresis

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will diarrhea last after taking a laxative?

The active ingredients of laxatives can have different half-lives. For example, the half-life of lactulose is about 2 hours, while the half-life of bisacodyl is 16 hours. Bulk-forming laxatives don’t have a half-life because they’re eliminated with your next bowel movement.

Can laxatives cause severe diarrhea?

Severe side effects are rare. However, excessive laxatives can cause diarrhea or intestinal obstruction, where stools become large and dry. In addition, long-term use can cause levels of salts and minerals in the body to become unbalanced.

Is it normal to have diarrhea after laxative?

Laxatives are suggested to cause diarrhea. They work either by drawing water into the gut or by causing the muscles of the intestines to contract. However, taking too much of a laxative cause diarrhea which is a problem.

Should I stop taking laxatives if I have diarrhea?

If diarrhea starts after some days of not having any stool, you have an impaction. If you are not impacted, try the following steps: Stop taking stool softeners or laxatives until diarrhea has stopped. Also, stop doing your bowel program until diarrhea has stopped.

Conclusion

For many people, laxatives work as an effective treatment of constipation. The laxative function causes the intestinal muscles to contract and help push out a bowel movement rhythmically.

As with many medications, there are risks of using more than the recommended dose of laxatives. Always discuss with your doctor before using laxatives and follow their recommendations.

How To Stop Laxative Diarrhea?

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