What Prescription Drugs Treat Constipation
Lubiprostone
Lubiprostone is a selective chloride channel activator that increases secretion of chloride ions from the cells of the intestinal lining into the intestinal. Sodium ions and water then follow the chloride ions into the lumen, and the water softens the stool. At a dose of 24 micrograms twice a day, lubiprostone significantly and promptly increased bowel movements, improved stool consistency, and decreased straining. The most common side effect of initial clinical studies was mild to moderate nausea in 32% of patients treated with lubiprostone, compared to 3% of the controls.
Linaclotide
Linaclotide is an oral drug that is not absorbed from the intestine. It stimulates the cells lining the small intestine to secrete fluid into the intestine. The increase in fluid secretion leads to an increased number of bowel movements. In addition, when it is associated with the abdominal pain of IBS, the pain also is reduced. Although the improvement in pain may be due to the improvement, linaclotide has been shown also to reduce the sensitivity of intestinal pain nerves, and this mechanism of action also may account for the decrease in pain.
The only common side effect of linaclotide is diarrhea. It should not be used in children below the age of six because of serious toxicity to very young mice in animal studies, and should be avoided in children ages six through 17.
Miscellaneous drugs to treat constipation
Colchicine
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Mineral Oil Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Mineral oil may cause serious side effects. Stop using mineral oil and call your doctor at once if you have:
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no bowel movement after use
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blood in your stools or
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severe and worsening stomach pain, cramping, or bloating.
Common side effects of mineral oil may include:
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gas or
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stomach cramps.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What Are The Risk Factors For Constipation
The older you get, the more youre at risk for constipation. Women tend to be more likely than men to establish constipation. This is at least partially due to the fact that constipation frequently happens during pregnancy.
Additional risk factors for constipation include:
- being dehydrated
- taking certain medications to reduce your blood pressure
- having medical conditions, such as Parkinsons disease and multiple sclerosis
- having actually compromised pelvic muscles, or ones that not unwind and constrict.
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Risk Factors To Consider
Adding a little more olive oil to your diet or trying a spoonful here and there to treat constipation isnt likely to carry any risk, even if it doesnt wholly address the problem of constipation.
If youve consumed olive oil in the past without problems, adding more to your diet or taking it as a laxative should be fine. You should consult with your pediatrician before giving olive oil to your baby.
How To Provide Mineral Oil
A safe way to provide mineral oil is to simply mix it in with dog food.
Take the time to measure an amount based on body mass. A general rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon for each 10 pounds of your dogs weight.
Do that and the constipation should begin to subside within 6 to 8 hours.
Please Note: Mineral oil does not always help in which case giving more is not recommended. You should get your veterinarians help if thats the situation.
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Tips For Constipated Canines
Feed your dog some rice or oatmeal. You can also put some olive oil in their regular food.
Olive oil is generally safe and it will usually soften up stool.
And exercise is excellent for constipation. Allow your dog to play outdoors as it can stimulate them to poop more regularly in addition to the other health benefits.
How To Use Olive Oil For Constipation
You can buy various types of olive oil at most grocery stores. Extra virgin olive oil is considered to be the purest because it doesnt go through a lot of heating and chemical processing.
Because olive oil isnt a medicine, there isnt a standardized recommendation for its use as a laxative.
In a study published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition, researchers found that daily doses of olive oil were effective in improving most constipation symptoms in people undergoing hemodialysis for kidney disease. The doses started at 4 milliliters and increased as needed.
You can consider trying a spoonful mixed in with a glass of orange juice or a cup of warm milk. The oil can also be used as a salad dressing or as an ingredient in cooking. If constipation is a frequent problem, you may want to start drizzling it on salads, cooked vegetables, or eggs to increase its presence in your diet.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Mineral Oil
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using mineral oil and call your doctor at once if you have:
- no bowel movement after use
- rectal bleeding
- blood in your stools or
- severe and worsening stomach pain, cramping, or bloating.
Common side effects may include:
- mild diarrhea
- gas or
- stomach cramps.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Mineral Oil For Constipation
People suffering from constipation are unable to evacuate feces. In this condition, the stool is very hard due to which bowel movement becomes quite painful. Having mineral oil softens the stool, ensuring that it moves easily without causing any pain. When mineral oil is taken, it forms a layer of lubrication around the feces, thus allowing it to slide smoothly through the colon. A soft coat of mineral oil around the stool makes it a lot easier for the patient to remove it without much effort. In other words, a softer stool texture is created to throw the matter out of the body comfortably.
Basically, mineral oil makes the intestinal tract slippery, crucial to facilitate stool movement. Thus, the lubrication of stools as well as the slippery track forces the trapped fecal matter to move out of the body. However, one should not expect bowel movement immediately after consuming it. This is highly impossible because it takes time for the mineral oil to form a coating over the stool and the intestinal path.
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Are There Any Side Effects
Small doses of olive oil are well-tolerated by most people. Because it may have natural laxative properties, olive oil consumed in large amounts may contribute to diarrhea.
Olive oil packs a lot of calories into a small serving. One tablespoon, for example, has nearly 120 calories. If youre carefully counting calories, remember to include olive oil in your tally.
If you have diabetes, you should talk with your doctor before using olive oil in this manner. Olive oil may lower your blood sugar levels.
Olive Oil For Constipation: Does It Work
Between 12% and 19% of the North American population suffers from chronic constipation, which can have a negative effect on quality of life .
Typical treatments, such as laxative drugs, often have uncomfortable side effects, so many people turn to alternative treatments like olive oil.
But does olive oil really work?
Keep reading to see what the research says about using olive oil to treat constipation.
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What Side Effects May I Notice From Receiving This Medicine
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- diarrhea that is severe
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention :
- leakage of oil from rectum or rectal skin irritation
- loose stools
- lower stomach discomfort or cramps
- nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
For A Physical Obstruction
A strong case can be made that mineral oil should not be your first option. Sometimes constipation is an indication of obstructed intestines.
Again, head to your vet as soon as possible if you suspect that your dog is suffering from this condition.
An x-ray may be needed to rule out an intestinal blockage.
Obviously mineral oil would be counterproductive, even harmful, in such an unfortunate scenario.
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How To Take Mineral Oil
Use Mineral Oil exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use mineral oil at bedtime, exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take oral mineral oil with meals.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Wash your hands before and after using the enema.
Do not use more than 1 mineral oil enema in a 24-hour period.
Each enema bottle is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left inside.
Oral mineral oil should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 8 hours. Rectal mineral oil should produce a bowel movement within 2 to 15 minutes.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Do not use mineral oil for longer than 1 week unless your doctor has told you to.
Since mineral oil is used as needed, you will not be on a frequent dosing schedule. Do not use a mineral oil enema more than one time in a 24-hour period.
Drawbacks Of Taking Mineral Oil For Constipation
Even though its a natural product, mineral oil should only be used as a temporary measure. Taking more than the recommended dosage can lead to other health complications and bad digestive symptoms such as indigestion, feeling of fullness and bloating, stomach cramps and diarrhea.
But not only that, the prolonged use of mineral oil can also cause dehydration. This can happen when the colon is prevented from absorbing moisture from the stool due to the water proof coating.
Dehydration is certainly not good for you, as it can lead to fatigue, weakness and make your constipation worse. Thats why its important to drink sufficient amounts of fresh clean water.
Also, the prolonged use of mineral oil can interfere with your digestive systems ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins, especially vitamin A, D and E.
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Pros And Precautions For Using Lubricant Laxatives
Mineral oil coats and softens stool. Like stool softeners, mineral oil is used by patients who need to avoid straining .
What are the precautions for using lubricant laxatives?
- Mineral oil should be avoided in individuals taking blood thinners, such as warfarin . Mineral oil decreases the absorption of vitamin K from the intestines. The decreased absorption of vitamin K in patients taking warfarin can potentially lead to over-thinning of the blood and increasing the risk of excessive bleeding.
- Mineral oil should not be taken during pregnancy since it may inhibit vitamin absorption and decrease the availability of vitamin K to the fetus.
- Mineral oil can cause pneumonia if it leaks into the lungs. Leakage of secretions and other contents from the mouth and the esophagus into the lungs is called aspiration. Certain individuals are prone to aspirate, especially while lying down. Therefore, mineral oil should not be given at bedtime or to individuals who are prone to aspirate.
- Mineral oil should only be used for short periods of time. A significant absorption of mineral oil into the body can occur if used repeatedly over prolonged periods.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Mineral Oil
People with eating disorders should not use laxatives without a doctor’s advice.
You should not use mineral oil if you are allergic to it.
Do not take oral mineral oil if:
- you have trouble swallowing
- you are pregnant or
- you are ill, debilitated, or bedridden.
Do not give oral mineral oil to a child younger than 12 years old. Do not use rectal mineral oil in a child younger than 2 years old.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if oral or rectal mineral oil is safe to use if you have:
- stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- a bowel obstruction or severe constipation
- a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer or
- if you have used any other laxative within the past 7 days.
Ask a doctor before using rectal mineral oil if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Do not take oral mineral oil if you are pregnant.
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Important: How To Use This Information
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
What Natural Or Home Remedies Relieve And Treat Constipation
Natural and home remedies to relieve pain and stop constipation?
Dont suppress urges to defecate. When the urge comes, find a toilet. With the assistance of your doctor and pharmacist, determine if there are drugs that you are taking that could be contributing to constipation. See if the drugs can be discontinued or changed.
Increase the fiber in your diet by consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It may be difficult to get enough fiber in the diet to effectively treat constipation, so dont hesitate to take fiber supplements if necessary . Use increasing amounts of fiber and/or change the type of fiber consumed until there is a satisfactory result. Dont expect fiber to work overnight. Allow a few weeks for adequate trials.
What if constipation does not respond to natural and home remedies?
These efforts should not be discontinued but other measures should be added. If it is infrequent, that is, every few weeks , it probably doesnt matter what other measures are added-emollient, saline, or hyperosmolar laxatives, enemas, and suppositories. Even stimulant laxatives every four to six weeks are unlikely to damage the colon. Unfortunately, the tendency when using stimulant products is to unconsciously increase the frequency of their use. Before you know it, youre taking them every week, or more often, and there is a concern that permanent colonic damage might result.
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Don’t Bomb The Bowel With Laxatives
If constipation becomes chronic, don’t keep playing laxative roulette. See your doctor for an exam.
Occasional irregularity is a fact of life, but you can minimize it with some basic steps. “You should be sure you are eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking adequate fluids, and staying physically active,” says Dr. Jacqueline Wolf, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. But when you do have constipation, start with the gentlest and safest option, like a bulk-forming laxative. If laxatives don’t work, ask for help. “You should see your doctor and discuss it if you are constantly needing to take laxatives,” Dr. Wolf says. “People shouldn’t have to take laxatives every day.”
Cradle Cap And Adult Dandruff
Cradle cap affects many infants in the first year of life, which can be frustrating for parents. Rubbing a small amount of mineral oil on your baby’s head can treat cradle cap.
After applying, leave the oil on for a few hours, then gently massage the scalp with a soft brush and comb out the loosened scales. Be sure to always shampoo your baby’s hair after applying mineral oil because oil buildup makes cradle cap worse.
If you are using mineral oil for adult dandruff, use the same steps to dislodge your flakes.
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Lubricates The Colon And Softens Stool
Olive oil acts as a lubricant by forming a slippery, waterproof layer around the stool, allowing it to pass smoothly through the colon and rectum .
It also softens stool by forming an emulsion of water and oil within the feces .
However, this can only happen if the olive oil is not completely absorbed in the small intestines.
Its not clear what dose is required to exceed the absorptive capacity of the small intestine, but some experts believe that 30 mL might be enough .
Side Effects Of Mineral Oil For Cats
Side effects of giving mineral oil to a cat are uncommon as long as it is administered safely via the cats food. If a cat eats mineral oil directly, theres a possibility that long-term lung issues might occur as they inhale it.
Additionally, do not give it to your cat for longer than two or three days. This is because too much can cause a cat to develop diarrhea.
In general, if you notice any allergic reaction when your kitty takes a supplement or medicine, make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.
In the case of an overdose, contact an emergency veterinarian straight away.
Has your cat ever taken mineral oil when theyve been constipated? Did it help them start digesting normally again? Let us know in the comments section below!
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