Living Older, Living Better! Featured Tip
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Avoid Laxative Abuse!
Constipation is more than just a minor irritation. It can make a person miserable. Because of this, laxatives are
widely used as over the counter treatments. However, not all are safe.
(Just because something is sold in a Drug Store over the counter, that does not mean it is ok for you!)
From Best to Worst Choices:
The solution to Constipation is PREVENTION with a regular habit of "trying to go" at the same
time every day, drinking plenty of fluid, getting exercise, and eating fiber!
Constipation is more than just a minor irritation. It can make a person miserable. Because of this, laxatives are
widely used as over the counter treatments. However, not all are safe.
(Just because something is sold in a Drug Store over the counter, that does not mean it is ok for you!)
From Best to Worst Choices:
- Those that are bulk forming, such as those containing psyllium (including Metamucil, Citrucel) are
generally safe to use every day. - Stool softeners can be safe in the short term (including Colace, Surfak, Senekot) but should not be
used for more than a few days in a row. - Prescribed treatments such as synthetic sugars that are not absorbed (Lactulose, Sorbitol) are safe
but need to be given under your doctor's supervision, as they need to be dosed appropriately for
you. - Mineral oil can be safe as a temporary measure, but for people who have trouble swallowing, or those with
lung problems or Parkinson's, it can go into the lungs and lead to pneumonia. It can also decrease the
absorption of some vitamins. - Salt water or tap water enemas are safe as very temporary measures. However, these should not
be used regularly or more than rarely, for emergencies, as they can cause the bowel to become weaker
over time, and even lead to a loss of muscle tone in the gut. Also, some enemas contain additional
ingredients such as magnesium (see below) which in themselves can have dangers. - Magnesium containing laxatives including Milk of Magnesia and even some enemas like Fleets
enemas can lead to dependence (see below) and also, taking too much of Magnesium
containing medications can cause delerium (trouble thinking, confusion). How much is too much? For
some people, especially those who are older, even the recommended over the counter dosage is enough
to lead to confusion and trouble thinking. The Magnesium in enemas is absorbed, so be sure to check
the package before using one! - Those that cause an explosive stool are stimulants, and are not recommended. Their use can lead
to dependence and addiction (addiction meaning, you cannot have a bowel movement without them and
you may find yourself relying on larger and larger doses). Worst of all, this can lead to damage of the
bowels themselves, leading to weaker bowels and worse problems with constipation and even impaction,
where stools do not move at all!
The solution to Constipation is PREVENTION with a regular habit of "trying to go" at the same
time every day, drinking plenty of fluid, getting exercise, and eating fiber!
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