Laxatives: classification, use and side effects

Most people are used to light-mindedly refer to laxatives. With the problem of constipation, patients if they go to the doctors, then only at a very neglected stage: or already when much has been tried and got used to, or if laxatives cause side effects that can not be independently managed.

It is common for women to use a laxative for weight loss, which is not only useless, but also harmful. The laxative itself does not burn fat and does not break down calories, but only dehydrates the body, which causes a temporary feeling of lightness, which is mistaken for losing weight. And regular dehydration leads over time to a disturbance of the water-electrolyte balance.

It is also said that defecation should be daily. This, in general, is a myth, because under the same conditions (mobility, nutrition, amount of water consumed), the organism of each person is very individual. If one person can walk once a day to the toilet, then another person can walk through the day under the same conditions. And this will be normal for him, at least according to medical standards. So do not cling to laxatives at the slightest delay of defecation.

There are several types of funds for constipation, weak or strong, even those that are sold in supermarkets. The form of release is also various: tablets, capsules, powders, even drops of laxatives appeared on the shelves of pharmacies.

According to the action on the body the following types of laxatives are distinguished:

1. Preparations that increase the amount of intestinal contents. The most safe, but require a lot of liquid, otherwise it can cause the opposite effect. This, for example, nomakon, fibogel, tselovak and simple bran.

2. Means that soften the stool. They are also safe, require a large volume of drinking water, do not take aspirin and mineral oils at the same time.

3. Osmotic means. For regular use are not recommended. An example of such drugs: lactulose, macrogol, phosphoric acid salts , magnesium salts.

4. Stimulant laxatives. They are addictive, among them habitual bisakodil, aloe, senna, buckthorn.

5. Mineral salts. Means of rapid action (the effect may occur after half an hour after ingestion). An example of these preparations: Flit-soda, bitter salt, magnesium hydroxide.

In general, laxatives are needed in order to treat constipation, usually, chronic. But there are also special cases when you may need to take them. For example, pregnant women may experience constipation due to hormonal changes. After birth, constipation may lead to insufficient physical activity. Some people who have a weak bowel activity, if a special high-fiber diet does not help, also prescribe laxatives that stimulate the intestines. After some operations, you may need a laxative if you need to avoid muscle strain. Before the operation and some examinations, salt laxatives are used for complete and rapid emptying of the intestine. Some constipation can be caused by some diseases or the use of certain medications (antidepressants, analgesics, anti-acid).

Side effects usually arise from the abuse of the laxative. Therefore, for self-application, it is preferable to use soft laxatives of plant origin. With regular admission, sharp pains in the abdomen may appear.

Paradoxically, prolonged use of laxative drugs can lead to chronic constipation. Violation of electrolyte balance with prolonged use affects the work of all internal organs, and can be dangerous. There are data that indicate an increased risk of cancer of the rectum from the continuous use of a laxative. In addition, uncontrolled use of laxatives can provoke anemia, chronic diarrhea and even psychological dependence on the drug.