What are Laxatives?
Laxatives are the medicines that help relieve constipation. They contain chemicals that can soften stools, increase their bulk, and stimulate bowel movements, making it easier and more frequent to pass stools. But if you use them too much, they might cause problems, like making constipation worse.
To avoid constipation, it’s best to have a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains, do regular exercise, and drink plenty of water. These laxatives are available in pills, capsules, and liquids, sachets of powder, as well as suppositories and enemas. Each type has its own benefits and possible side effects. While using a suppository or enema might not be as easy (or enjoyable) as swallowing a pill, they can often work faster to relieve constipation.
Types of Laxatives:
- Bulk-forming laxatives: Add bulk to the stool to make it easier to pass.
- Osmotic laxatives: Soften the stool to make it easier to pass.
- Stimulant laxatives: Speed up bowel movements to accelerate passage.
- Emollient Laxatives (stool softener laxatives): Increase fluid content to make stool easier to pass.
- Lubricant Laxatives: Use mineral oils to make stools slippery, but use only for short-term relief due to potential vitamin absorption issues.
What are Laxatives?
Laxatives are the medicines that help relieve constipation. They contain chemicals that can soften stools, increase their bulk, and stimulate bowel movements, making it easier and more frequent to pass stools. But if you use them too much, they might cause problems, like making constipation worse.
To avoid constipation, it’s best to have a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains, do regular exercise, and drink plenty of water. These laxatives are available in pills, capsules, and liquids, sachets of powder, as well as suppositories and enemas. Each type has its own benefits and possible side effects. While using a suppository or enema might not be as easy (or enjoyable) as swallowing a pill, they can often work faster to relieve constipation.
Types of Laxatives:
- Bulk-forming laxatives: Add bulk to the stool to make it easier to pass.
- Osmotic laxatives: Soften the stool to make it easier to pass.
- Stimulant laxatives: Speed up bowel movements to accelerate passage.
- Emollient Laxatives (stool softener laxatives): Increase fluid content to make stool easier to pass.
- Lubricant Laxatives: Use mineral oils to make stools slippery, but use only for short-term relief due to potential vitamin absorption issues.
How Do Laxatives Work?
Laxatives come in different types, and what works best for one person may not work for another. Fibre supplements, also known as bulk-forming laxatives, are usually the best laxative option. However, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider before trying any laxatives, as they can recommend the safest option for you.
Oral laxatives can affect how your body absorbs certain medicines and nutrients. Long-term use can lead to serious health issues, such as an electrolyte imbalance, which can cause heart rhythm changes, weakness, confusion, and seizures. Electrolytes like calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and sodium regulate various body functions, so it’s important to be cautious.
Before turning to laxatives, try making lifestyle changes to help with constipation. Eat fibre-rich foods like wheat bran, fruits, vegetables, and oats every day. Drink plenty of fluids—about 8–10 glasses of caffeine and alcohol-free liquids daily. Regular exercise can also help. If constipation persists after making these changes, you may consider a mild laxative.
Benefits of Laxatives
Relieves Constipation
Laxatives help to soften stool and increase bowel movements, providing quick relief from constipation.
Enhanced Bowel Regularity
Laxatives can promote consistent bowel movements, helping to prevent chronic constipation and maintain digestive health.
Pain Relief
Laxatives ease stool passage, reducing pain and discomfort from hard stools and straining during bowel movements.
Variety of Options
Various laxative types cater to different needs, allowing individuals to choose the best option for them.
Improved Quality of Life
Laxatives can effectively manage constipation, boost overall well-being and comfort, and enable a more active life.
Reduces Risk of Colon Cancer
Laxatives are used for colon cleansing before procedures like colonoscopies, providing a clear view for diagnosis and surgery.
Cost of Laxatives
Consultations start at £200. Please request a callback by filling out the contact form. We look forward to assisting you!
Why Choose Leicester Bowel Clinic?
At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we focus on bowel health and conditions, digestive issues, and cancer care. Our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures for bowel problems, ensuring effective results and patient comfort. We aim to provide personalised care for our patients and offer the latest treatments for hernias, bowel conditions and rectal disorders
Patient Testimonials
Mr Chaudhri is an excellent surgeon I can’t thank him enough for the operations he performed on me after i was diagnosed with bowel cancer, the care he showed me before and after the operations, his friendly nature and reassurance was a great help to me during a stressful time in my life i owe so much to him and i will always be grateful to him and his colleagues .
Written by an NHS patient
I’ve been under Mr Chaudhri’s care for around 2 years now and he has always shown me the best, personal care I could ask for.
Written by an NHS patient
This doctor spoke to you and made jokes to make you feel at ease. He was also clearly very knowledgable, and his words/advice were comforting and I left feeling uplifted. With regards to the procedure itself, he wasn’t aggressive but nor was he too slow where you had time to consider the slight discomfort; the pace and strength were fine and made for a quick and easy colonoscopy.
Written by an NHS patient
Our Locations
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital
- Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
- To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685
*Free on-site parking is available.
The Health Suite
- CLINICS The Health Suite Thursday evenings (Mr Chaudhri) from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at:The Health Suite, 624a Uppingham Rd, Leicester LE7 9QB
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Health Suit, please call the booking line on 0116 241010
*Free on-site parking is available.
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital
- 1st and 3rd Friday of the month (Mr Chaudhri) from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm at: Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital, Scraptoft Ln, Leicester LE5 1HY
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Nuffield Hospital, please call the booking line on 0300 1311416
*Free on-site parking is available.
FAQs
01. How long do laxatives last?
02. What is a fast acting laxative?
03. What are the safest laxatives for pregnant women?
During pregnancy, some laxatives are considered safe to use, including:
- Saline laxatives like magnesium hydroxide (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia) or magnesium citrate
- Stimulants like bisacodyl (Ducodyl)
- Lactulose (Cholac, Constilac)
- Stool softeners like docusate sodium (Colace)
- Bulk-forming laxatives like ispaghula husk, sterculia, or wheat bran
- Lubricant laxatives like mineral oil
- Osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
Remember to always consult your healthcare specialist before taking any medication during pregnancy.
04. What is the best laxative for constipation?
05. What laxative makes you poop instantly?
Rectal enemas and suppositories are the fastest-acting laxatives, providing relief within minutes. They work by inserting medicine directly into the anus, stimulating bowel movements quickly. Some examples include:
- Saline enemas
- Mineral oil enemas
- Glycerin suppositories
- Bisacodyl suppositories
06. What are the common side effects of laxatives?
The side effects vary depending on the type of laxative, but common ones include:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Dehydration, which can cause dizziness, headaches, and darker urine than usual.
