Laxatives promote bowel emptying. Nonprescription laxatives are frequently misused due to lack of understanding of normal bowel function. Restrict self-medication to short-term therapy of constipation. Chronic use of laxatives (particularly stimulants) may lead to dependence. Prior to laxative use, consider living habits affecting bowel function including disease state and drug history. Rational therapy and prevention of constipation include: adequate fluid intake (4 to 6 glasses of water daily), proper dietary habits, including sufficient bulk or roughage, responding to the urge to defecate, and daily exercise.
How The Drug Works
Saline laxatives cause water to accumulate in the intestine, thereby increasing pressure in the intestine and causing bowel movements.
Uses
For the short-term treatment of constipation.
To clean out the bowel before bowel examinations or bowel surgery.
Frequent use/inadequate fluid: Frequent use of laxatives and inadequate fluid can cause an imbalance in fluid and electrolyte levels. Symptoms may include muscle cramps, muscle weakness, or dizziness.
Rectal bleeding/failure of the laxative: Rectal bleeding or failure of the laxative to produce a bowel movement can indicate a more serious condition which requires medical attention.
Pregnancy: Saline laxatives can cause an electrolyte imbalance (eg, potassium). Use of a bulk or stool-softening laxative is preferred. Consult your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. Tetracyclines interact with magnesium-containing products.
Side Effects
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depends on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:
Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; stomach pain; bloating; gas; bowel cramping; griping.
Nervous System: Weakness; dizziness; fainting.
Other: Irritation of the rectal area; sweating; pounding of the chest (palpitations); rectal bleeding; muscle cramps or pain; electrolyte imbalance (eg, potassium).
Guidelines for Use
- Take with a full glass of water or juice.
- Laxative use is only a temporary measure. Do not use longer than one week. Stop use of these products when normal bowel habits return. Prolonged, frequent, or excessive use may result in dependence or electrolyte imbalance.
- Do not use if you experience stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting,
- Contact your doctor if you experience unrelieved constipation, rectal bleeding, muscle cramps or pain, weakness, or dizziness.
- Prevention of constipation includes: adequate fluid intake (4 to 6 glasses of water daily), proper dietary habits, including sufficient bulk or rough age, responding to the urge to defecate, and daily exercise,
- Although the usual directions are to give the dose at bedtime, caution is advised because of lipid pneumonia
- Effects usually occur in 30 minutes to 3 hours. Plan accordingly .
- Store magnesium citrate solutions in the refrigerator to retain potency and to improve taste.