Laxative Stimulant

Laxatives are taken by mouth to:
- relieve constipation
- prevent constipation after surgery or heart attack
- prevent dry, hard stools.

Take laxatives as directed by your health care provider, or follow the directions on the package label. Do not take more laxative or take it more often than directed. Drink several glasses of water during the day to help soften your bowel movement.

Serious side effects (report these to your health care provider right away): dizziness, flushing, sweating, severe abdominal cramps, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle aches, rectal bleeding.

Other: diarrhea, gas, rectal irritation, brown or reddish urine, constipation (if too little water is taken with the laxative).

There are several types of laxative. Three of the main types: bulk-forming laxatives, stimulant laxatives, and osmotic laxatives.

Bulk-forming laxatives soften and increase the volume of your stools. This then encourages your bowels to move and push the stools out. The full effect of this type of laxative can take a few days to occur.

Stimulant laxatives work by speeding up the movements of the intestines. They take 8-12 hours to work.

Osmotic laxatives work by reducing the amount of water absorbed from the bowel and so increasing the amount of water in your stools. This makes them softer and easier to pass.