Saline laxative: indications and contraindications

A change in the situation, travel, changes in diet are the main causes of problems with stools. Often, to normalize digestion, you have to take medications. In case of acute constipation, experts recommend taking a salt laxative (the name you learn from the article), which has the fastest effect.

Mechanism of action

As active components of saline laxatives, sodium and magnesium sulfate, phosphate ions are used. These substances are capable of retaining fluid in the luminal cavity. A large volume of water contributes to the softening of stools, increases the osmotic pressure. Some substances are capable of irritating receptors located on the intestinal mucosa, which improves peristalsis.

Salts are not absorbed Mucosal surface of the intestinal tract and pass through it in an unchanged form. Saline laxative acts quickly enough. The reaction of the intestine can be observed already in 2-3 hours after taking the drug. For long-term use, such laxatives are not suitable.

When should I take it?

Any laxative drugs can be used only as an additional therapy. With frequent constipation should be examined and identify the cause of the pathological phenomenon. Experts recommend taking saline laxatives only with acute constipation. Also, such drugs are used when cleaning the intestine before a medical starvation or diet. This helps to cleanse the intestines from toxic substances. It should be remembered that laxatives of this group can not be used continuously during the entire period of fasting.

Indication for the use of salt laxative is also preparation for intestinal diagnosis. The rapid action of the drugs allows them to be used for poisoning with poisons (mercury, arsenic, salts of heavy metals). Effective components of drugs prevent the absorption of dangerous substances into the blood. During the interaction, sulfates of these metals, which are safe for the system, are formed.

The Benefits of Saline Laxatives

Osmotic (saline) laxative has a quick therapeutic effect and does not cause addiction. Some drugs from this group are able to stimulate the process of digesting food and to establish the production of gastric juice. Magnesium sulfate positively affects the condition of bone tissue, myocardium.

Laxatives based on sodium and magnesium sulfate are recommended after anthelmintic therapy. Preparations will help to remove parasites from the body and the products of their vital activity.

What concerns faults?

It is important to remember that to cope with such a delicate problem as constipation, with the help of laxative medicines it is possible only for a while. Saline laxatives do not affect the true cause of the pathological phenomenon. Such medications can be taken only in case of acute constipation and in the absence of contraindications.

Frequent use of salt laxatives can cause violation of electrolyte and water-salt balance, dehydration. Excess dosage is fraught with the development of bradycardia, a decrease in blood pressure.

Side effects of salt laxatives

If the rules for the use of laxative salt medicines are not followed, side effects may develop. Most often they appear in the form of pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, bouts of vomiting and nausea. To judge the violation of water-salt balance can be on such symptoms as dizziness, dyspnea, convulsions, arrhythmia.

If you use salt laxatives for chronic constipation, you can weaken the normal intestinal tone, which will negatively affect the possibility of self-emptying.

Who should not take saline laxatives?

At home, it is quite possible to cope with the unpleasant symptoms of constipation . Many people are helped by drugs from the group of salt laxatives. At first glance, such tools may seem the safest. However, they are not suitable for all patients. Contraindications include the following pathological conditions:

• Pain in the abdomen of an unclear etiology;
• Hemorrhoids in the acute stage;
• Severe diseases of the stomach, intestines, kidneys;
• appendicitis;
• Hypersensitivity to components;
• High blood pressure;
• dehydration;
• cholelithiasis;
• Pregnancy, lactation.

Glauber's salt

Among saline laxatives, one of the most effective is mirabilite (sodium sulfate, Glauber's salt). The medicine is available in the form of a powder for the preparation of a solution. The effect of sodium sulfate is based on the retention of water in the intestines, due to which the liquefaction of stool occurs.

In medicine, the substance is used to eliminate symptoms of acute constipation. Glauber's salt can also be used for preventive cleansing of the intestine before curative fasting.

Applying salt laxative, it is recommended to use more pure water to avoid dehydration and the occurrence of side effects in the form of nausea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalance.

To prepare the solution, it is necessary to dilute the powder in pure warm water. Dosage of sodium sulfate for adults - 15-30 g. It is possible to use the drug in pediatrics. Dosage is calculated depending on the age of the child.

Magnesium sulfate in case of constipation

Magnesium sulfate is an effective salt laxative, which in people is known as magnesia, English or bitter salt. In medical practice, this substance has been used for a long time to treat a variety of pathologies. In addition to the laxative effect, magnesium sulfate has spasmolytic, choleretic, anticonvulsant, hypotensive and vasodilating properties.

Magnesium sulfate acts quite gently and does not cause unpleasant sensations like some other laxatives. Getting into the intestine, the substance creates there a high osmotic pressure, which, in turn, contributes to the improvement of peristalsis. A small part of the substance is absorbed into the bloodstream, but it is quickly removed from the body through the kidneys.

According to the recommendations of specialists, the use of magnesium should be in case if against the background of constipation the intoxication of the organism began. Deterioration of health, the appearance of pain in the abdomen - the first signs of a pathological condition. Magnesium sulfate promotes rapid cleansing of the intestine before colonoscopy and other similar studies.

How to use?

Powder for the preparation of the solution can be purchased at the pharmacy. The packet usually contains 20 or 25 g of magnesium sulfate. To eliminate the symptoms of constipation, magnesium sulfate powder is dissolved in 100 ml of warm water. Dosage is usually calculated depending on the age and weight of the patient.

The daily dose should not exceed the volume of 4 tablespoons. Adult patients should take 20-25 g of magnesia, children (over 6 years old) - 5-10 g. For infants of younger age, magnesium as laxative is allowed only according to the doctor's prescription.

Magnesium sulphate in the liquid is completely insoluble and also has a pronounced bitter taste. Therefore, many patients add sugar and lemon juice. Take saline laxative solution is necessary on an empty stomach (preferably in the morning). The effect can occur already in 1-2 hours after the intake of magnesium sulfate. In this case, the urge to defecate can be frequent.

Cooking saline laxative at home

You can clean the intestines not only with the help of pharmacy products. To adjust the work of the stomach and intestinal tract salty water will help . In yoga, this method has its name - shank-prakshalana. However, it can be used only in the absence of gastrointestinal and kidney pathologies.

A large amount of drunk salted liquid can cause attacks of nausea and vomiting. To avoid this, it is necessary to add a small amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice into the water. Immediately after morning awakening, you should drink a salt laxative.

How to make a saline solution to eliminate constipation and improve the functioning of the digestive tract? It is important to follow certain recommendations. The water must be purified and boiled. Before cooking, it should be heated to 40 ° C. Salt can be used ordinary cooked or sea. For 3 liters of water, you need to take three tablespoons of salt. This is the maximum volume of liquid that can be drunk during the purification process. Between the fluid intake it is necessary to perform certain exercises.