For individuals dealing with constipation issues, can using an osmotic laxative help treat and prevent constipation?
Table of Contents
Osmotic laxatives can help treat or prevent constipation by increasing the amount of water in the colon, softening stools, and making them easier to pass. Some osmotic laxatives are used for bowel preparation to help clear the colon before a colonoscopy. They are available over the counter and by prescription and can contain different active ingredients, including polyethylene glycol/PEG, lactulose, sorbitol, magnesium citrate, and magnesium hydroxides.
Constipation occurs when stools are irregular and hard to pass, as they are usually hard and dry. An osmotic laxative helps relieve constipation by increasing the amount of fluid in the intestines. They pull water from the colonβs wall to the inside, softening stools and making them easier to pass. The term osmotic refers to the movement of fluids through a membrane with the concentration equal on both sides. In individuals with constipation problems, the concentration of water in the colonβs wall and the inside of the colon/lumen is balanced but insufficient to compensate for hard, dry stools. This is especially true of those who donβt drink enough water. Osmotic laxatives alter the balance with substances like salts, sugars, and other organic compounds to encourage water movement into the lumen.
Most laxatives are generally used for the treatment of occasional constipation. Osmotic laxatives work differently because they are used to prevent or treat chronic constipation. Other types of laxatives include:
The common osmotic laxatives are made with different active ingredients that include:
As with all medications, there can be potential side effects. Most are relatively mild and resolve independently within a few days. Common side effects include:
Overusing laxatives can cause dehydration and the loss of electrolytes like sodium, calcium, potassium, minerals the body needs to regulate heartbeat, muscle contractions, and other essential functions. (Tropini, C. et al., 2018) Consult with a healthcare provider to ensure you use any laxative correctly, whether over-the-counter or prescription. For those thinking about using osmotic laxatives, be sure to follow the dosing instructions carefully, avoid complications, and use only when needed. Individuals with chronic constipation should see a healthcare provider so that they can identify the underlying cause. Diet, exercise, and increased fluid intake can sometimes improve the condition. Others may require treatments that extend beyond the use of laxatives.
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Tropini, C., Moss, E. L., Merrill, B. D., Ng, K. M., Higginbottom, S. K., Casavant, E. P., Gonzalez, C. G., Fremin, B., Bouley, D. M., Elias, J. E., Bhatt, A. S., Huang, K. C., & Sonnenburg, J. L. (2018). Transient Osmotic Perturbation Causes Long-Term Alteration to the Gut Microbiota. Cell, 173(7), 1742β1754.e17. doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2018.05.008
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