Laxatives for constipation for the elderly: choosing the most effective drug

Constipation is a common phenomenon characterized by retention of stool. Most often, bowel dysfunction occurs due to poor nutrition or a sedentary lifestyle. In some cases, a symptom may signal the presence of dangerous pathologies.

Some people may have bowel movements two to three times a day, while others may have one every few days. Both cases are considered normal. Constipation is indicated not by the frequency of stool, but by the consistency of stool and the presence of discomfort.

In most cases, lifestyle changes, including proper eating, drinking and physical activity, help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). If such methods do not produce any results, patients are prescribed laxatives.

The pharmaceutical market offers several groups of medications that help relieve constipation. Each of them has its own mechanism of action, as well as the speed and force of impact on humans. Before taking medicine for constipation, you should find out its effect on the body and take into account existing contraindications.

Each laxative has its own composition and application characteristics, which must be taken into account during the treatment process. Finding an effective medicine is not so difficult. Although patients often have doubts whether the medication will be addictive and cause additional harm to the body.

First of all, you should find out the cause of constipation. If it is caused by pathologies of the digestive system, then they should be treated not with laxatives, but with completely different medications. In this article we will highlight a list of medicinal groups used in the treatment of constipation. Having considered various drugs, we will highlight the best and most effective remedy in the fight against constipation.

Varieties

It is immediately worth noting that laxatives are not intended for continuous use. Uncontrolled use of such drugs can cause addiction to the body and disrupt the natural urge to defecate. The maximum duration of a treatment course with laxative medications should not exceed ten days.

Attention! A laxative for constipation has only a one-time effect, helping to cleanse the intestines. However, they do not affect the very cause of stool retention.

All laxatives, depending on their composition and mechanism of action, are divided into the following groups:

• irritating nerve receptors of the intestinal wall;
• increasing osmotic pressure;
• prebiotics;
• intestinal fillers.

Drugs with irritating effects are considered the most effective for constipation. They are prescribed to patients with intestinal atony and impaired peristalsis caused by poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. These are quick-acting medications that help induce the urge to have a bowel movement in about six to eight hours. The laxative effect occurs due to chemical irritation of the receptors of the large intestine.

Doctors recommend using laxatives in emergencies

The use of irritants should be short-term, since their too frequent use can lead to intestinal atony and electrolyte imbalance. They are used in emergency cases to eliminate acute stool retention. They are contraindicated for intestinal bleeding, chronic constipation, anal fissures, acute hemorrhoids, proctitis, and intestinal obstruction.

Now let's talk about probiotics. They are considered the safest remedies for constipation. Probiotics normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and have no contraindications or side effects. They can be used in the treatment of children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. After entering the intestinal tract, probiotics restore the balance of natural microflora and have a mild laxative effect.

Duphalac for constipation

The drugs stimulate peristalsis and promote regular cleansing of the body. Probiotics contain beneficial lacto- and bifidobacteria.

They are not addictive. This causes softening of the feces and their rapid evacuation. However, you should not expect quick results from probiotics.

Stool will appear somewhere on the third or fourth day of regular use of the tablets. The drugs can be used in the treatment of both acute and chronic constipation, as well as dysbiosis. Another highly effective group of medications against constipation are osmotic tablets. The mechanism of their action is to retain water in the intestines.

Osmotic drugs are prescribed for one-time cleansing of the intestines in case of poisoning and before surgical interventions. Their advantage is that there is no risk of intestinal atony. Most often they are available in the form of powders and solutions.

Now it's time to talk about intestinal fillers. The active ingredients of these drugs are mainly natural substances. Enteric fillers are not absorbed into the intestines. They increase the volume of feces and contribute to its speedy evacuation. The drugs do not affect intestinal motility. They cannot cause bloating and painful cramps.

Irritant drugs

These are fast-acting medications for constipation that act on receptors in the intestinal wall and cause the organ to contract more actively. The active ingredients can be natural elements, for example, rhubarb, which has a choleretic and antiseptic effect, buckthorn, which contains anthraglycosides, and castor oil.

Bisacodyl

Available in the form of tablets and rectal suppositories. Treatment begins with minimal dosages, but if there is no effect, they are increased. The drug has a pronounced effect in case of prolonged constipation and weakened intestinal motility.

Bisacodyl is a good alternative to a cleansing enema! The tablets are recommended to be taken in the evening. With regular use, after about a week, you can lose several kilograms of excess weight.

Attention! With the help of Bisacodyl, it is possible to remove harmful compounds from the body, normalize metabolic processes and strengthen the motility of the digestive tract.

The laxative effect of the drug is achieved by reducing the density of feces. And stimulation of peristalsis occurs due to the release of active substances in the alkaline environment of the intestinal tract. Tablets can cause side effects such as dizziness, convulsions, and loss of coordination.

From the digestive tract, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur. Active components negatively affect electrolyte balance. Hypokalemia is fraught with neurological disorders. In case of individual intolerance, allergic reactions occur.

Do not take Bisacodyl tablets with alkaline mineral water or milk.

Senade

The tablets stimulate intestinal motility. They are prescribed to patients with intestinal dysfunction and operated patients. Senade is of plant origin. The active substance is senna. Senade has a gentle effect on the intestines.

The therapeutic effect occurs eight to ten hours after consuming the product. Under the influence of Senade, intestinal function is activated, feces are softened and they move easily.

Guttalax

The drug is prescribed for self-constipation caused by poor diet or insufficient fluid intake. The active component belongs to the triarylmethane group. The active substance interacts with bacteria in the large intestine, and is then broken down and absorbed by the mucous membrane.

The laxative effect occurs seven to twelve hours after taking the drops. The drug has a rather pleasant taste. Guttalax is prescribed in pediatric practice. The drops dissolve well in water and do not cause intestinal addiction.

Features of the use of strong laxatives for the elderly, children, women during pregnancy

It is worth giving your child medications only if there are clear indications for use; constipation cannot be relieved by massage, changing diet, or increasing physical activity. Laxatives for children should have a mild effect, one might say weak. The medication only slightly helps the baby’s intestines, and does not do all the work for him. Doctors typically prescribe the following inexpensive medications:

• Normaze;
• Lactulose;
• Creon;
• Bifidumbacterin;
• Linux;
• Acipol;
• Espumisan;
• Plantex.

Duphalac is considered the safest for children; the drug is prescribed for children under 1 year of age. You can use it, but you should not overuse it, because lazy bowel syndrome may develop. If you are worried about the safety of anti-constipation pills, you can use the old method - an enema, but pediatricians say that modern remedies have a very gentle effect on the child’s body.

• Gives choleretic properties
• Has a laxative effect

Action of the powder:

• The effect comes quickly
• The drug begins to act after half an hour, maximum 3 hours.
• Duration of action of the drug is up to 5-6 hours

How to use:

• The product should be taken on an empty stomach or at night
• If you drink on an empty stomach, you should not eat food after this for about 30-40 minutes.
• The solution can be used as an enema for severe forms of constipation.

What may be the consequences after taking:

• Acute diarrhea
• Nausea with vomiting
• Fatigue
• Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (exacerbations)
• Impaired consciousness and speech
• Violation of the water-salt balance of the body
• Arrhythmia
• Presence of seizures
• Increased flatulence
• Feeling thirsty
• Kidney failure

Who should not drink the powder:

• For patients with appendicitis
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Severe allergic reaction
• Intestinal obstruction

Magnesium sulfate

Doctors warn that prolonged use of medications causes electrolyte imbalance and the development of intestinal atony due to addiction to the active ingredient.

Even the use of relatively safe drugs can lead to unpleasant consequences. Therefore, before you start using laxatives, you should consult a specialist.

To solve the problem in a timely manner, you should pay more attention to your diet and lifestyle.

What you need to do to avoid frequent use of drugs:

• increase the volume of fluid consumed;
• cook food in the oven or steam;
• include soups in your diet;
• eat more raw vegetables and fruits, as they contain coarse fiber;
• exclude fried foods and smoked foods from the menu;
• reduce alcohol consumption.

To stimulate the work of the intestinal muscles, a person needs to move, so it is necessary to increase physical activity and massage the abdomen.

• Buckthorn tincture - steaming buckthorn for 20-30 minutes and drinking it regularly 1-2 times a day will allow you to eliminate constipation problems and improve your bowel habits.
• Flax tea – concentrated flax tea for 1-3 days will completely eliminate constipation problems. It can be drunk by children and adults. Flax seeds should be used for brewing.
• Infusion of joster fruits - the fruits are steamed for about an hour and the drink is drunk at night so that bowel movement occurs in the morning.
• Senna herbal tea – the leaves of this plant have a strong laxative effect and help the intestines to gently and naturally release feces.
• Rhubarb tea – rhubarb extract irritates the intestinal walls, which helps it actively pass feces.
• Sudanese rose - hibiscus petals have a not strong, but mild laxative effect.

Teas and herbs for constipation

The peculiarity and effectiveness of castor oil is that it acts very quickly. The result can be seen after 3-6 hours (depending on the severity of the problem). It is important to know that castor oil cannot be used during pregnancy, because in addition to intestinal contractions, it also activates the muscles of the uterus. This is why miscarriage or premature birth can be caused.

How to take the oil:

• Adults should drink no more than 2 tbsp. oils at one time
• Children take 1 tsp. oil, teenagers are allowed a serving of 1 d.l.

In case of overdose, the following symptoms may appear:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Loss of consciousness and fainting
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Kidney disorders
• Stomach ache
• Stool disorders (diarrhea)

Castor oil for constipation

Indications for the use of stimulants are:

1. single acute constipation;
2. in elderly people on bed rest;
3. after operation;
4. in the postpartum period;
5. before going for an intestinal examination.

Osmotic laxatives have the following indications for use:

1. constipation for up to 12 weeks;
2. acute infections and intoxications;
3. before colonoscopy;
4. before/after surgery;
5. in older people with heart disease, diabetes and kidney failure.

Bulk laxatives should be taken:

1. for chronic constipation;
2. for hemorrhoids, anal fissures;
3. during pregnancy;
4. with irritable bowel syndrome.

Prebiotics

They have a slow and mild laxative effect. The mechanism of action is based on the activity of beneficial microflora. In addition to the laxative effect, prebiotics prevent the development of dysbiosis and promote the removal of harmful substances from the body.

Interesting! Essentially, prebiotics are food components (carbohydrates). They are not digested in the stomach, but when they enter the intestinal tract, they stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Duphalac

The mild laxative effect of the drug allows the drug to be used not only against constipation in adults, but also in small children. The active ingredient of Duphalac is lactulose, which quickly cleanses the intestines. The drug can be used frequently, as it is not addictive.

Experts prescribe laxative syrup for intestinal colic in infants, to normalize digestion and peristalsis in adult patients with dysbacteriosis and poisoning. The organic compound contained in the syrup is obtained by processing whey. In addition to lactulose, only distilled water is contained.

Hilak-Forte

This is a safe drug that is even prescribed to newborns and nursing mothers. Hilak-Forte restores intestinal function and the natural balance of microflora. The drug does not affect intestinal motility and, in fact, is not a laxative medication. Nevertheless, Hilak-Forte eliminates constipation. This happens due to the restoration of damaged microflora.

The lactic acid contained in the preparation helps to increase the production of beneficial bacteria. Hilak-Forte improves the functional activity of the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall, restores water and electrolyte balance, and also normalizes the synthesis of vitamins B and K. Before use, the product is diluted in warm water. The course of treatment can last from two to four weeks.

Price

Enteric fillers

They are not absorbed in the intestines, are difficult to digest and contribute to an increase in feces in volume. The active components of such products are wheat bran, agar-agar, flax seeds, and psyllium husks. Colonic fillers absorb water, increase the size of the stool, and distend the intestines.

If the gastrointestinal tract is weak, such medications do not give the desired result. During their use, you should drink at least two liters of water per day. Enteric fillers are slow-acting medications. The laxative effect occurs a few days after the start of treatment.

Portalak

This is another lactulose-based laxative. In order to soften the stool, Portalac should be taken for three days. The drug can cause allergic reactions, pain and heaviness in the abdomen, and allergic skin rashes. If you exceed the dosage of Portalac, constipation can develop into diarrhea.

Exportal

The laxative is available in powder form. The active ingredient is lactitol monohydrate. The dry mixture can be combined with juice, tea or coffee. It is better to drink a fresh solution. If it stands, it will lose its healing properties.

Causes of constipation

Older people often blur the symptoms of various diseases. Many people consider it normal if there is no bowel movement for a week. And this leads to a deterioration in overall health, sometimes to fecal incontinence.

Factors affecting constipation:

• natural age-related changes;
• presence of diseases;
• taking insufficient food and fluids;
• abuse of laxatives;
• muscle weakness;
• hypothyroidism;
• progressive diseases (diabetes mellitus);
• taking medications to treat existing ailments;
• psychological factor;
• sedentary lifestyle.

Important! Common causes of constipation are an unbalanced diet and restrictions in physical activity.

Osmotic agents

These are salt-based drugs with a serious laxative effect for oral use. They are intended for emergency cleansing before diagnostic procedures and operations.

Microlax

Available in the form of microenemas. The great popularity is due to the instant results. The active ingredients of Microlax are excreted along with feces, without being absorbed into the intestinal walls and blood cells.

Microlax helps instantly relieve constipation

Fortrans

The active ingredient of the medicinal powder is macrogol. The dry mass should be diluted in boiling water. The dosage is prescribed depending on the patient's weight. So, for sixty kilograms of body weight there are three liters of liquid. Fortrans administration is completed after achieving a therapeutic effect.

Quick laxatives can remove stool that has not yet formed into stool. Medical professionals use this property when preparing patients for diagnostic procedures. The powder should not be used for extensive disorders of the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract, as well as for patients with cardiac pathologies and weak blood vessels.

Fortrans can cause swelling, dizziness and even anaphylactic shock. Experts draw attention to some restrictions under which it is prohibited to use laxative medications on any basis. These include the following:

• acute inflammatory processes of the digestive tract;
• intestinal obstruction;
• internal bleeding;
• parasites;
• viral or bacterial diseases.

Moderation is important for effective treatment. There is no point in exceeding the dosage in order to enhance the result. This way you can harm yourself even more. The best remedies in the fight against constipation are natural preparations and natural ingredients. Although their action will not be as fast, their use is associated with fewer health risks. If any complications arise while using laxatives, you should contact a specialized specialist.

Is it possible to take laxatives for prevention?

The prescription of any laxative should be strictly as prescribed by the doctor. Constipation is a symptom of diseases: dolichocolon/dolichosigma, insufficiency of biliary function, intestinal paresis, obstruction (blocking) of the lumen, and so on. Early diagnosis in some cases, for example, partial obstruction due to oncological pathology, allows timely initiation of specialized treatment.

Uncontrolled use of laxatives on your own can lead to side effects. Most often this is dysbiosis and “lazy” bowel syndrome.

Reviews

Evgeniy, 30 years old: I have been suffering from constipation for a long time, but somehow I didn’t attach any importance to it. Still, I had to see a doctor when anal fissures began to appear in me, and every act of defecation was accompanied by the release of blood. The doctor said that, first of all, I need to change my lifestyle and diet. I began to eat more vegetables and fruits, and also drink still mineral water. The doctor prescribed me glycerin suppositories. After using them, the urge to defecate occurs within five minutes. I also took Hilak-Forte for a month. I diluted the product in warm boiled water and immediately drank it. Throughout the entire treatment course, I drank at least two liters of water a day.

Tatyana, 30 years old: I try to watch my diet and physical activity, but as soon as I go on a trip, I suffer from constipation. Glycerin suppositories help me out. In general, this is such a safe remedy, as I understand from the instructions, that it is prescribed to newborn children and nursing mothers. I store suppositories in the refrigerator. After using suppositories, the natural urge to defecate occurs within five to ten minutes. The drug belongs to a group of medications that irritate receptors in the intestinal wall. The fatty base of suppositories lubricates the inner walls of the rectum, protecting the mucous membrane from damage by dry feces.

Tatyana, 40 years old: I have suffered from constipation since I was young. I have already tried a variety of drugs, but they only gave a temporary effect. I constantly asked doctors what medicine could help, until I realized that first of all I needed to change my lifestyle. After I normalized my diet and diet, the problem became much less. Still, from time to time I use medications with a laxative effect. I really like Duphalac. It belongs to the group of prebiotics - drugs that restore microflora. By eliminating dysbiosis, intestinal function is normalized. Duphalac contains only lactulose and water, so I use it when treating my children and grandchildren.

Constipation is an unpleasant symptom, the appearance of which is often the fault of the patients themselves. Stool retention can occur due to poor lifestyle and dietary errors. And sometimes constipation is a symptom of some serious pathology. Be that as it may, first of all, the patient should undergo a diagnosis and establish the cause of his pathological condition.

Good drugs in the treatment of constipation are prebiotics, which have a laxative effect by normalizing the microflora. Doctors also prescribe irritants, drugs that increase osmotic pressure, and intestinal fillers. Each of the listed groups has a number of its own characteristics, advantages, as well as contraindications and side effects.