There is practically no person in the world who at least once has not encountered an unpleasant condition associated with impaired intestinal motility. Simply put, constipation. And today we’ll talk about how to solve such a delicate problem and, in particular, what kind of medicine for constipation can be used.
Probable sensations
Constipation is, above all, the inability to empty the intestines. Hence the pain and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, increased gas formation, flatulence.
The contents of the intestine are not removed in a timely manner, therefore, in addition to local intestinal discomfort, a person begins to feel a feeling of increased fatigue, nervousness, and the skin becomes grayish over time. Such violations are the result of the ingestion of undetected protein breakdown products into the blood.
The condition is further aggravated by the fact that many patients are embarrassed by their problems and are in no hurry to seek qualified medical help.
There are plenty of medicines that stimulate the work and bowel movement in today's pharmaceutical market. Doctors recommend resorting to drug therapy only after other methods of getting rid of the problem have been tried: special diets, drinking regimen. And only if the problem is not resolved, can a medicine be prescribed for constipation.
Almost all available drugs for constipation are divided into groups, depending on the characteristics of the active substance. We will get to know each in more detail.
Laxative stimulant
A common group of stimulant drugs include drugs that irritate the intestines. Stimulation in this case occurs due to the accumulation of water and effects on the nerve endings. Due to this, the contents of the intestine are effectively excreted some time after taking the product.
Such medicines include phytopreparations (extracts of hay, buckthorn), and synthetic compounds (Bisacodyl, Diphenylmethane, and others).
The most common are herbal remedies Senade and Tiassen. They are not addictive. In addition, their use does not give a sharp effect - the correction of the intestine occurs after a few days of regular intake.
Many patients suffering from constipation prefer to take synthetic drugs. The most common and sought after is bisacodyl and its pharmacological analogues. The effect of taking the drug is observed quite quickly. If the patient takes medication during the day, then the effect occurs within 6 hours, if at night, then bowel cleansing will be in the morning.
There are also synthetic preparations with a milder effect, the main component of which is sodium picosulfate. These are Guttalax, Weakness and others. For constipation, a medicine based on sodium picosulfate is also not addictive in patients with prolonged use and begins to work quite quickly.
Osmotic laxatives
Medicines for constipation in this category affect the problem locally. In this case, the active substance does not enter the blood. The most common are drugs based on lactulose, macrogol and Dufalac.
Preparations with lactulose have a therapeutic effect not immediately, but rather delayed. The effect occurs two days after taking the drug. Such a long period is due to the fact that the drug must pass through the digestive tract.
After entering the intestines, Dufalac helps to restore the beneficial intestinal microflora, which, in turn, helps to get rid of problems with emptying. That is why Dufalac is prescribed for patients suffering from chronic constipation.
Macrogol-based medicines also have a pronounced effect on constipation. The active substance contributes to an increase in fluid in the intestine, which leads to softening of solid feces. The effect of taking such drugs appears after two days, in some cases - after a day. Tranzipeg, Forlax, and Fortrans fall into this category of drugs.
Emollients for the treatment of constipation
Emollients are used as an additional remedy for constipation if the patient is diagnosed with hemorrhoids. The use of drugs not only helps to eliminate solid feces, but also provides good lubrication of the intestinal walls, preventing injury to hemorrhoidal formations.
Many doctors prefer to prescribe petroleum jelly with a softening effect. The desired effect after taking occurs in 4-6 hours. Pediatricians, in turn, do not practice the use of liquid paraffin because of its unpleasant taste. Emollients also have candles with glycerin, the effect of the use of which occurs within an hour.
Treating constipation during pregnancy
Many women experience significant bowel movements during pregnancy. This is due, first of all, to physiological changes that occur in the body of a woman during the period of bearing a child.
Gynecologists who observe the course of pregnancy insist on the constant prevention of constipation. First of all, it is recommended that the diet be observed. Expectant mother in order to avoid problems with cleansing the intestines should drink a lot and move as much as possible.
A doctor who observes a woman should choose medications for constipation during pregnancy. But if there is no opportunity to consult, then you can take fearlessly only the drug “Dufalac”. It has a non-aggressive effect, so it can be taken at any stage of pregnancy. However, the drug does not always help. In addition, the effect does not occur immediately, but only after several applications.
During pregnancy, the independent use of suppositories with a laxative effect is not recommended, since they act quite aggressively. And this can cause an increase in the tone of the uterus. Only a doctor can pick up a drug. And do not forget about it.
Sour milk products, as well as vegetables and fruits, will help normalize the functioning of the intestines.
Constipation in a newborn
Constipation in newborns is often associated with the immaturity of the baby's digestive system. The reason can also be a violation of the drinking regime, adaptation of the digestive system to the mixture, overheating of the baby. Whatever the reason, constipation in a small person must be treated in a timely manner to avoid injury to the intestinal wall with solid feces.
Treatment and prevention
The most suitable means for doctors consider a gas vent tube or glycerin suppositories. Candles must be purchased in a children's dosage. In pharmacies they are released without a prescription. A candle stimulates the removal of the contents of the intestines of the baby in a few minutes.
The vent tube is introduced neatly into the anus of the baby, while the tip is lubricated with glycerin. These funds are used one-time.
In the event that constipation in a baby becomes chronic, consultation with a pediatrician is necessary. The doctor in such cases prescribes an approved medicine for constipation for newborns - lactulose syrup.
The best prevention of constipation in infants is breastfeeding, since disruption of the intestines most often occurs against the background of the transfer of the child to artificial feeding.
Treatment of constipation in the elderly
The problems of the elderly are quite diverse, but almost all have difficulties with the work of the intestines. The treatment of constipation in this case requires the right approach and caution.
Of osmotic drugs, it is recommended to use only Dufalac medication because of its gentle effect. The use of laxative suppositories, especially glycerin, will also be effective. These candles are prescribed even to infants, which indicates the absolute safety of their use. In addition, the effect occurs very quickly, but there is no addiction to the drug.
The most commonly prescribed cure for constipation for the elderly is Bisacodyl suppository. They also work quickly, with virtually no side effects.
In addition, sodium picosulfate, hay leaves, buckthorn bark can be prescribed. But the use of these drugs is single, since repeated use is addictive.
Medications for constipation - prices
Drugs, of course, differ in price. And if, for example, Dufalac can cost from 304 to 685 rubles, then Senade tablets will cost only 25 rubles per record. Therefore, financial options also influence the choice of the drug.
In any case, constipation (treatment, medication, we have already considered) requires elimination. But, before you start to swallow pills, try to normalize the stool with a diet. And remember that only a specialist doctor can choose the right medicine for constipation. Be healthy!