Improper nutrition, prolonged medication, a sedentary lifestyle are the main causes of digestive problems. It is far from always possible to avoid factors that provoke the development of a pathological condition. It should be understood that laxatives fast-acting (in tablets or liquid form) only temporarily relieve unpleasant symptoms and discomfort. Before you start taking such drugs, you should undergo a medical examination and establish the true cause of digestive upset.
How do laxatives work?
The easiest way to eliminate constipation is to take a laxative. Such medicines are presented in pharmacy counters in a wide selection. Their main task is to relieve symptoms, but they do not affect the main cause of the pathology. Therefore, their help should be resorted to in the most extreme cases.
All existing laxatives differ in their mechanism of action. Once in the body, they pass through the entire digestive tract, beginning to act only in the colon. They activate peristalsis, increase osmotic pressure and soften feces. Some patients are forced to take laxatives regularly, many of which are addictive. The most effective medicine should be selected by a specialist, taking into account the age and severity of the patient's condition. In addition to drug therapy, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of constipation.
Types of laxatives
Pharmaceutical companies offer a variety of quick-acting laxatives : in tablets and drops, in the form of syrup and powder for solution, in the form of rectal suppositories. All of them differ in the mechanism of action. Most patients, wanting a quick result, choose the most dangerous group of laxatives - irritating colon receptors. It is worth using them only with acute constipation to alleviate the condition as soon as possible. The therapeutic effect is observed 5-8 hours after taking the drug.
The osmotic group of laxatives is also common. Their action is based on fluid retention in the intestinal lumen, which helps to thin the feces. These are safe drugs that can be used for a long time and without causing a negative effect on the body. They have a mild laxative effect and do not cause the development of lazy bowel syndrome.
Enteric excipients and herbal preparations
Intestinal fillers - means of natural or synthetic origin. They are not absorbed into the intestinal wall, contribute to an increase in the volume of feces and accelerate the emptying of the rectum. Such a laxative for the intestines has a delayed effect. The desired effect from the use of drugs of this group can be achieved only for 2-3 days. At the same time, you need to drink at least two liters of liquid. Patients often refuse treatment with intestinal fillers due to side effects.
For the treatment of mild constipation, herbal laxatives are used. Such drugs are available in the form of tablets, teas, syrups, powders. Medicinal plant-based laxatives can be taken for a long time.
Possible causes of constipation
Normally, the urge to defecate, the frequency of which depends on individual characteristics, occurs spontaneously. If, for some reason, the work of the lower calving of the intestine is disturbed, there is a delay in processed products. The causes of constipation can be very different. Predisposing factors are:
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- unbalanced nutrition;
- limited fluid intake;
- restraining the urge to defecate;
- muscle weakness of the lower intestine;
- frequent use of a laxative.
The following can affect the intestinal motor activity : various pathologies of the endocrine system, autonomic dysfunction, changes in blood flow (blood circulation in the intestinal walls worsens).
Fast-acting laxatives: a list of effective drugs
Fast-acting laxatives are considered the most unsafe for the body. Their use should be resorted to only as a last resort. They trap fluid and inhibit the absorption of electrolytes. The following drugs belong to this group:
- Guttalax.
- "Bisacodyl."
- "Weak."
- "Laxatin."
- "Fitomucil."
- Regulax.
- Senadexin.
- Dulcolact.
- Guttasil.
- Senade.
Irritating fast-acting laxatives (in tablets, drops, suppositories) should be taken with reduced intestinal motility. The therapeutic effect can be observed already 8 hours after taking the medicine. The constant use of such medications leads to a decrease in peristalsis and intestinal tone.
Guttalax Laxative
The main active ingredient in the form of drops is sodium picosulfate. The substance irritates the intestinal wall, enhancing motility. The activity of the drug is observed only in the large intestine. Guttalax is prescribed for stool regulation in case of dysbiosis, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids. According to the instructions, a laxative is used if necessary to thin the feces in elderly patients suffering from chronic constipation, in preparation for surgery and during the recovery period.
In pediatrics, such a laxative for constipation is prescribed extremely rarely. Children can use it only from 4 years old. Among the contraindications are pregnancy, intestinal obstruction, acute inflammation of the digestive tract, dehydration.
Dulcolax (tablets)
Strong fast-acting laxative “Dulcolax” (made in Germany) contains bisacodyl, which irritates the intestinal mucosa. In the large intestine, the drug causes increased secretion of mucus, activates peristalsis. The urge to defecate after using the tablets can be felt after 6 hours. If the drug was taken before bedtime, the laxative effect will appear after 8-10 hours. The enteric coating of the tablets is resistant to gastric juice.
In the form of tablets, the drug is prescribed for constipation caused by hypotension of the colon, with anal fissures and hemorrhoids, as a preparation before surgery.
Contraindications or side effects
The greatest number of contraindications for use are laxatives of rapid action. In tablets, the drug "Dulcolax" can not be prescribed in the following cases:
- hemorrhoids in the acute stage;
- bowel obstruction;
- spastic constipation;
- internal bleeding;
- inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
- hypersensitivity to laxative components;
- pregnancy (especially the first trimester);
- dehydration of the body;
- sharp pains in the abdomen;
- intestinal pathology;
- children under 4 years old.
Among the side effects can be observed spastic pain, diarrhea (fraught with severe dehydration and imbalance of electrolytes), flatulence, allergies.
Senadexin Laxative Tablets
The preparation contains sennoside A and B, a substance of natural origin, isolated from senna leaves. The component acts on the motility of the colon, irritating receptors, not addictive. The laxative effect of chewable tablets is observed 6-10 hours after administration.
A significant advantage of the drug is the absence of a negative effect on the digestive processes. A strong laxative of fast action is recommended to be taken at night and washed down with a sufficient amount of water. According to the instructions, tablets can be taken once or undergo a course of therapy. The drug can be prescribed for children from six years. The dosage should be calculated by the attending physician.
Senadexin analogues are the following fast-acting laxatives (in tablets):
- Glaxenna.
- "Senna".
- Senade.
- Bekunis.
Before taking irritating laxatives, you should consult a doctor.
In most cases, experts recommend that patients take a mild laxative, which will not be addictive and other complications of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to drug therapy, you must follow a diet, consume a large amount of fluids and foods rich in fiber. In addition, do not forget about exercise.