Laxative

Laxative

Hastening the evacuation of stool from the bowel, a laxative can relieve discomfort caused by constipation. There are numerous types of laxative products, including a variety of medications and supplements.

Laxatives act of the bowel and colon. While products such as fiber supplements and stool softeners are often lumped in the laxative category, they actually make the natural passage of stool easier.

Contrary to popular belief, laxatives do not result in weight loss. This stems from that fact that the food has already been digested. Laxatives should be used with caution, and it is important to consult a physician before taking a laxative.

Fast Facts

Acts on bowel and colon
Many types

Types

Common Brands

Short-Term Side Effects

Long-Term Side Effects

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking a Laxative.

Categories

Health | Drugs | Supplements

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Also try: Constipation

The Mahalo Top 7

Wikipedia: Laxative
American Academy of Family Physicians: Laxatives: OTC Products for Constipation
MedicineNet.com: Laxatives for Constipation
MedlinePlus: Stimulant Laxatives
MayoClinic.com: Laxative (Rectal Route)
RxList: Fiber Laxative Oral
American Journal of Epidemiology: Prospective Study of Bowel Movement, Laxative Use... (2000)

Laxative News

Google News: Laxative Search
HealthDay: Health Tip: Taking a Laxative (January 15, 2008)
The New York Times: Looking Beyond Fiber to Stay 'Regular' (August 2, 2005)

Laxative Basics

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: Laxatives
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center: Managing Constipation With Laxatives
Food and Drug Administration: Rulemaking History for OTC Laxative Drug Products
MayoClinic.com: Laxative (Rectal Route): Description
BUPA: Laxatives

Laxative Uses

MedlinePlus: Stimulant Laxatives: Why is This Medication Prescribed?
WebMD: Laxatives for Constipation | Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Laxative Safety
BUPA: Laxatives: What Are They For?
MayoClinic.com: Over-the-Counter Laxatives for Constipation: Use with Caution

Laxative Side Effects, Interactions and Precautions

BUPA: Laxatives: Side Effects
MayoClinic.com: Laxative (Rectal Route): Precautions | Side Effects
MedlinePlus: Stimulant Laxatives: What Special Precautions Should I Follow? | What Side Effects Can This Medication Cause?

Laxative Competitors

Laxative Clinical Studies and Research

Journal of the American Medical Association Search: Laxative
PubMed Central Search: Laxative
Journal of Pediatric Psychology: Additive Benefits of Laxative, Toilet Training, and Biofeedback... (1996)

Laxative Message Boards and Blogs

DrugTalk.com: Laxative Discussions
IBS Blog: Laxative Posts
Daily Strength: Laxative Posts
MedHelp: Laxative Posts

Laxative Controversy

MayoClinic.com: Over-the-Counter Laxatives for Constipation: Use With Caution
Boehringer Ingelheim: Current Professional Advice...

Laxative Abuse

National Eating Disorders Association: Laxative Abuse: Some Basic Facts
ANRED: Eating Disorders and Laxative Abuse
MedicineNet.com: Melanosis coli and laxative abuse
Baptist Memorial Health Care: Laxative Abuse
MedlinePlus: Medical Encyclopedia: Laxative Overdose

Laxative Holistic Alternatives

MotherNature.com: Constipation the Route to Regularity | Toilet Training for Adults | Constipation
Alive: Getting to the Bottom of Constipation | Laxatives-Why Half the Nation Suffers From Constipation
Reuters: Biofeedback May Relieve Chronic Constipation (April 9, 2007)
Wikipedia: Dietary fiber

Related Pages on Mahalo

Constipation | Ex-Lax | Dulcolax | Fiber | Stool Softener | IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Diarrhea | PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome | Melanosis Coli | Aloe Vera

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