There are three types of laxatives that take longer (12 hours to 3 days) to work. If you’re taking other medications, have difficulty swallowing, or are pregnant, be sure to speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to make sure you’re choosing an OTC laxative product that’s safe for you to use. Fast-working oral laxatives are also generally not first-choice products for constipation relief while pregnant. This is because there have been reports of it causing pneumonia if it’s accidentally inhaled into the lungs. Taking mineral oil by mouth can be dangerous for people with difficulty swallowing. Bisacodyl should not be taken within an hour of drinking milk or taking antacids. They may also not be the best choice for people with kidney problems. Oral saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide and magnesium citrate, can affect the way that some medications are absorbed in the body. Like the rectally administered laxatives, these oral laxatives can cause cramping and diarrhea. Most of these laxatives can also be used by children as well as adults. And they’re taken orally, which is more comfortable for most people. These laxatives typically work in less than 12 hours. Common OTC products in this group include Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax, and Senokot. The fastest-working oral laxatives include mineral oil, saline laxatives (like magnesium hydroxide and magnesium citrate), and stimulant laxatives (like bisacodyl and senna tablets). Medications that are formulated for rectal use can also be dangerous if accidentally swallowed, so it’s important to only use them as directed and store them securely. Saline enemas might not be the best choice for people who are limiting their sodium intake or who have kidney or heart problems. And suppositories, which are usually solid and bullet-shaped, must be inserted properly to work. Enemas require squeezing liquid into the rectum. It’s often also more difficult or uncomfortable for some people to use a rectal product than it is to take medication by mouth. They often cause stomach cramping and diarrhea. The fast onset of these laxatives comes with a downside. Another advantage to these medications is that there are formulations available for both adults and children aged 2 years and over. They may also be useful for people who have difficulty swallowing. Rectally administered laxatives work quickly. Common OTC products in this group include Fleet enema, Pedia-Lax, and the Magic Bullet. These include saline and mineral oil enemas as well as glycerin and bisacodyl rectal suppositories. The fastest way to get constipation relief is to use OTC laxatives that are administered rectally. These include how you want to take it (oral or rectal), if you’re taking other medications, and if you have any underlying health issues. But the laxative you choose can depend on several other factors. But if these changes don’t relieve your constipation, it may be time to try an OTC laxative. This can include things like adding fiber to your diet, drinking more water, and exercising regularly. Typically, it’s recommended to try adjusting your lifestyle habits to help with constipation before taking a laxative. If you’re having bowel movements less than 3 times per week, you may be constipated. And some products may not be the best choice for everyone. OTC laxatives can provide relief within 1 minute to 3 days depending on which type you use. This means they each may take a different amount of time to work. They also come in different forms, with both oral (tablets, capsules, and liquids) and rectal (enemas and suppositories) options.Įach type of laxative works differently to help you achieve a bowel movement. They’re available as many different OTC brand-name and generic products. Laxatives are a group of medications used to treat constipation.
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