OTC:
laxatives
When t o
use Bulk laxatives
A laxative should only b e used
How they work: Absorb liquid in the
as a last resort after all other intestines an d swell to form a soft, bulky
measures to treat constipation, stool instead of being digested.
Examples:
such as increasing fiber intake,
Methylcellulose
engaging in regular exercise, (Citrucel) Psyllium
and consuming lots of water, (Metamucil)
Polycarbophil
have failed.
(Fibercon)
Uses: produces soft stool for those who
have dry, hard stools in one to three days.
Contraindications: HTN, diabetes,
kidney disease, partial obstruction of
the bowels, esophageal obstruction.
Osmotic
laxative
s
How they work: It draws water
into the intestines, softening and
swelling the stool.
Examples: Polyethylene glycol
(Miralax,peglax, and glycolax)
Magnesium hydroxide (milk of
mag) Lactulose (kristalose,
Generlac, and enulose)
Uses: low dose for daily for
constipation. High dose for diagnostic
and surgical procedures.
Contraindications: CKD,
pregnancy, cardiac diseases
S
t
laxatives
When t o
use Bulk laxatives
A laxative should only b e used
How they work: Absorb liquid in the
as a last resort after all other intestines an d swell to form a soft, bulky
measures to treat constipation, stool instead of being digested.
Examples:
such as increasing fiber intake,
Methylcellulose
engaging in regular exercise, (Citrucel) Psyllium
and consuming lots of water, (Metamucil)
Polycarbophil
have failed.
(Fibercon)
Uses: produces soft stool for those who
have dry, hard stools in one to three days.
Contraindications: HTN, diabetes,
kidney disease, partial obstruction of
the bowels, esophageal obstruction.
Osmotic
laxative
s
How they work: It draws water
into the intestines, softening and
swelling the stool.
Examples: Polyethylene glycol
(Miralax,peglax, and glycolax)
Magnesium hydroxide (milk of
mag) Lactulose (kristalose,
Generlac, and enulose)
Uses: low dose for daily for
constipation. High dose for diagnostic
and surgical procedures.
Contraindications: CKD,
pregnancy, cardiac diseases
S
t
