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We know it's feative season time & there's this belive amongst black people to "clean the system" but the misuse of laxatives can be a problem especially on the little onces. Be informed.
Clinical indications for laxatives:
-acute constipation
- chronic constipation
-bowel evacuation prior to colonscopy or similar procedures
-hepatic encephalopathy (lactulose)
None mention cleaning of 'the system'
-acute constipation
- chronic constipation
-bowel evacuation prior to colonscopy or similar procedures
-hepatic encephalopathy (lactulose)
None mention cleaning of 'the system'
The dangers of abusing laxatives or not using it for its intended indication:
-Hypokalaemia: low potassium levels which results in fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms & muscle cramps
-damages to the colon in a way that will impair it's normal function leading to even more use
-Hypokalaemia: low potassium levels which results in fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms & muscle cramps
-damages to the colon in a way that will impair it's normal function leading to even more use
-water & electrolyte loss leading to dehydration
- stomach cramps
Types of laxatives & briefly how they work
- stomach cramps
Types of laxatives & briefly how they work
1. BULK FORMING LAXATIVES
Agiobulk, Fybogel, Agiolax, Normacol plus
Bulk-forming laxitives work by absorbing water into colon & its contents makinging is softer & promotes contactions & movement in the colon for good bowel movement.
Might cause abdominal distention & farting.
Agiobulk, Fybogel, Agiolax, Normacol plus
Bulk-forming laxitives work by absorbing water into colon & its contents makinging is softer & promotes contactions & movement in the colon for good bowel movement.
Might cause abdominal distention & farting.
2. STOOL SURFACTANT AGENTS/ STOOL SOFTNERS
Glycerin
Allows water to get absorbed in substances in colon allowing for easy stool movement
Glycerin
Allows water to get absorbed in substances in colon allowing for easy stool movement
3. OSMOTIC LAXATIVES
Lacson Duphalac Laxette Milk of Magnesia Movicol Klean-Prep Coloprep
Draws water into colon via osmosis softening contents thus bowel movements
Lacson used in hepatic encephalopathy due to it inhibiting ammonia absorption
Short term use for rapid evacuation
Lacson Duphalac Laxette Milk of Magnesia Movicol Klean-Prep Coloprep
Draws water into colon via osmosis softening contents thus bowel movements
Lacson used in hepatic encephalopathy due to it inhibiting ammonia absorption
Short term use for rapid evacuation
STIMULANT LACATIVES
Dulcolax Senokot Soflax Bisacodyl lacative
Direct stimulant of nerves of the colon resulting in contractions of the large intestine & accelerated bowel movement
Causes abdominal cramps, electrolyte imbalances & farting
Dulcolax Senokot Soflax Bisacodyl lacative
Direct stimulant of nerves of the colon resulting in contractions of the large intestine & accelerated bowel movement
Causes abdominal cramps, electrolyte imbalances & farting
Healthy high fibre diet, increased water intake, exercise & going to the bathroom when there's you have an urge is the most important things to do
Only use them if there has been serious constipation regardless younhave tried other methods to for relief
SHORT TERM USE ONLY!!
Only use them if there has been serious constipation regardless younhave tried other methods to for relief
SHORT TERM USE ONLY!!
Use laxatives 2/3 houre before or after taking other medication as not to flush them out inhibiting their absorption
Make sure you're adequately hydrated & replace electolytes using simple salt/sugar water mixes or rehydrate sachets
Physical dependence due to overuse is possible!
Make sure you're adequately hydrated & replace electolytes using simple salt/sugar water mixes or rehydrate sachets
Physical dependence due to overuse is possible!
Also remember not everyone has the same patterns when it comes to bowel movements
Listen to your body, know your habits & watch your diet!
Take it easy especially on the little onces they are easily prone to dehydration & might not be able to articulate this to you
Listen to your body, know your habits & watch your diet!
Take it easy especially on the little onces they are easily prone to dehydration & might not be able to articulate this to you
