When Not to Use Laxatives
You have to be careful when using laxatives and there are situations when it is better not to take them and you should see your doctor before starting on Laxatives.
After all they are in some places considered 'prescribtion drugs' and you want to be aware of all possible complications before taking them. Also sometimes the constipation might have other reasons and you should...
See Your Doctor if
- The constipation came suddenly without obvious reason.
- The stool looks different in color, form or consistency than usual.
- Constipation and diarrhea interchange frequently.
- You have to press hard because the stool doesn't want to come out.
- You have a bloating feeling after you went to the toilet and feel that there is something else sitting in the colon.
- Low appetite, burping or vomiting are showing with a sudden constipation.
- Nausea, fever and vomiting are serious signs, see your doctor immediately.
Before you take Laxatives talk to your Health Care Provider
about any past reactions you may had to any of the following:
- bisacodyl
- casanthranol
- cascara sagrada
- phenolphthalein
- castor oil
- dehydrocholic
- docusate
- lactulose
- magnesium citrate
- magnesium hydroxide
- magnesium oxide
- magnesium sulfate
- malt soup extract
- methylcellulose
- mineral oil
- phenolphthalein
- poloxamer 188
- polycarbophil
- potassium bitartrate and sodium bicarbonate
- psyllium
- psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid
- carboxymethylcelluose
- senna
- sennosides
- sodium phosphate
Do contact your health care provider if any of the following medical conditions are present
- severe abdominal pain
- appendicitis
- colostomy
- diabetes mellitus (due to sugar content of some products)
- heart disease
- high blood pressure (due to sodium content of some products)
- ileostomy
- intestinal blockage
- kidney disease (due to possible build-up of magnesium and potassium)
- problems swallowing
- rectal bleeding of unknown origin