Essay on a laxatives, classification and side effects
Classification of laxatives
Generally, laxatives are classified into four broad categories namely; stimulant laxatives, stool softeners, bulk laxatives, and osmotic laxatives (Aronson, 2015).
Stimulant laxatives: They are of different types each of which is used to relieve constipation.
Stool softeners: Also called emollient laxatives. They are all used to relieve constipation where some work on the stool and some on the intestines.
Bulk laxatives: They form soft and bulky stool and promote the contraction of intestinal muscles thereby relieving constipation.
Osmotic laxatives: They are used for the treatment of constipation (Ferguson, 2002). They work by increasing the volume of water secreted by within the intestines helping in the production of soft and easier-to-pass stool. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Side effects of laxatives
A person who has been experiencing constipation may try using over-the-counter laxatives. There are a number of factors that can disrupt the normal functioning of the bowel and result in constipation. These include; poor diet, some medications, and physical inactivity.
Occasional constipation can be treated by the many safe over-the-counter laxatives available in the market. Nevertheless, it is a requirement to first read the directions on their use and use them as directed by the physician (Phillipson, 1996). Improper use of laxatives can result in the following side effects:
- Passing out bloody stools
- Rigorous cramps or ache
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Felling of dizziness
- Experiencing rectal bleeding
- Mysterious alterations in bowel patterns
- Constipation that exits more than seven days irrespective of laxative use
References
Aronson, J. K. (Ed.). (2015). Meyler’s side effects of drugs: the international encyclopedia of adverse drug reactions and interactions. Elsevier.
Rush, E. C., Patel, M., Plank, L. D., & Ferguson, L. R. (2002). Kiwifruit promotes laxation in the elderly. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 11(2), 164-168.
Newall, C. A., Anderson, L. A., & Phillipson, J. D. (1996). Herbal medicines. A guide for health-care professionals. The pharmaceutical press.