How do laxative tablets work? Fast-acting laxatives in tablets. List of the best, instructions, reviews. Osmotic laxatives

Bowel problems can occur at any age. This occurs due to a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and gastrointestinal diseases. Constipation is a delicate problem for which many people are embarrassed to consult a doctor, so laxatives are thoughtlessly purchased from pharmacies, which only help for a certain time. What kind of mild, quick-acting laxative can be used in this or that case, you need to figure it out.

What can be considered constipation?

Constipation is said to occur when the time interval between bowel movements is more than two days.. A person needs to really strain to go to the toilet. Moreover, the longer the interval between bowel movements, the more difficult it is. In this case, the person feels discomfort in the intestines, which seem to be full. After defecation, there is a feeling that the passage of stool was incomplete. The stool becomes dry and hard. All constipation is divided into two groups:

Acute – appears suddenly, against the background of general well-being. May be a symptom of intestinal obstruction, stroke, brain injury. This type of constipation occurs due to the use of certain medications and prolonged bed rest.
Chronic - this form of constipation is said to occur if problems with bowel movements have been observed for more than a month. Difficult bowel movements can occur due to a number of endocrine diseases, dysbacteriosis, hemorrhoids, intestinal trauma and poor nutrition.

Constipation is not necessarily a symptom of any disease. This unpleasant condition is observed during pregnancy, during severe nervous shock, and also when certain medications are taken.

Consequences of constipation

Problems with bowel movements are not only uncomfortable, they can lead to serious health problems. Feces that remain in the intestines for more than two days begin to release toxins that have a toxic effect on the body. This can negatively affect organs and systems and lead to the following problems:

The functioning of the heart is disrupted, and pain often occurs in the chest area.
A severe headache appears.
There is pain in the anus.
Performance decreases.
The feeling of fatigue does not go away.

If you have problems with bowel movements, you can try a mild laxative. Although these medications are available without a prescription, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Laxatives

Laxatives improve bowel function and promote smooth bowel movements. Treating constipation with laxatives should not be done regularly.. Even the most effective laxative can be addictive and then emptying your bowels on your own will be very problematic.

All laxatives can be divided according to method of use:

Medicines used for acute constipation.
Medicines that are used for chronic constipation.

There are many different drugs on the list of each group of laxatives, so choosing the right option is not difficult. It is important to consult your doctor before starting use.

Drugs for the treatment of acute constipation

If bowel movement is severely difficult, against the background of complete well-being, then the following means are used:

saline laxative;
Castor oil;
bisacodyl;
regulax;
glycerin suppositories.

Saline laxatives

These include inorganic salts, the healing effects of which have been proven over the years. They provoke mechanical irritation of the intestinal walls and contribute to the liquefaction of the contents, which begins to burst the walls. Thanks to this, the nerve endings are irritated, peristalsis is significantly improved and the intestines are easily emptied.

These inexpensive laxatives begin to work about 3 hours after taking them. Therefore, they must be taken in the morning, before meals. Such laxatives include Glauber's salt, magnesium and various phosphates. These substances are used for persistent constipation and poisoning in order to quickly remove toxins.

The disadvantage of saline laxatives is that they contribute to dehydration of the body.. Abdominal pain may occur when taking these laxatives. They are not recommended for use in cases of intestinal obstruction and persistent constipation. These medications are also not prescribed to children.

When taking laxative magnesia, blood pressure decreases. Therefore, it is not prescribed for low blood pressure.

The cheapest laxative is castor oil.. It chemically irritates the intestinal mucosa and improves peristalsis, so that the intestines are emptied without unnecessary strain.

In the small intestine, the oil breaks down and forms ricinoleic acid, which irritates the receptors. Castor oil promotes a single bowel movement 3-5 hours after consumption.

It is important to remember that castor oil is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women. It increases uterine contractions and may also be prescribed to induce labor.

Bisacodyl

Bisacodyl is available in the form of tablets and rectal suppositories. This is a chemical product, but has good irritant properties. Starts to work pretty quickly. If the drug is used in the form of a suppository, then after an hour the effect is noticeable. The medication is prescribed not only for acute, but also for chronic constipation. It gives good results in the treatment of intestinal atony.

This drug has many analogues with the same active substance. Therefore, the pharmacist may offer a medication with a different name.

Regulax

Regulax (guttalax) is a liquid laxative that is prescribed to patients with both acute and chronic constipation. Many people consider these drops to be the best remedy. The instructions for use of the drug recommend taking the drops, in the required dosage, in the evening. Take the medicine with a small amount of water.

Glycerin suppositories

An inexpensive laxative that has a local irritant effect. Suppositories have almost no contraindications; they are allowed to be used even by young children if you have a problem with stool. Suppositories with glycerin are often prescribed to women in labor who have difficulty defecating.

It is not advisable to use glycerin suppositories every day. Rapid addiction occurs, especially in children.

Medicines for chronic constipation

Pharmaceutical companies produce many different laxatives that will help with chronic forms of constipation without harm to health. These include the following medications:

laminaride - based on seaweed raw materials;
forlax and its analogues;
Vaseline oil;
vegetable oils.

These medications can be taken for a long time every day.. They help thin stool and make it easier to pass.

Laminaride

Available in granule form, it begins to act after 8 hours. The granules in the intestines swell and irritate the intestinal walls, causing bowel movements to occur.. Prescribe a teaspoon of laxative powder up to three times a day after meals. Take the drug with cool water.

To normalize intestinal function, you can periodically include seaweed salad with the addition of vegetable oil in your diet.

Forlax

It acts like laminaride, swells in the intestines and has an irritating effect on the intestinal mucosa, due to which emptying occurs. The medication begins to work only a day after the first dose. Drink it in the morning on an empty stomach or during meals. This laxative powder has a pleasant citrus taste and dissolves quickly in water.

This laxative is approved for pregnant women, elderly patients, patients with diabetes mellitus and unstable blood pressure. It can be prescribed to people with heart, kidney and liver diseases.

Vaseline oil is a quick-acting liquid laxative. Even with severe constipation, bowel movement will occur no later than 5 hours.

The oil is allowed to be used by patients of all age groups; it is not absorbed into the bloodstream and is not deposited in the body.

When you take petroleum jelly, it spreads evenly over the intestinal walls and forms a protective film that prevents the absorption of toxins from the stool.

Vegetable oils

People often use vegetable oils to make bowel movements easier. Fennel oil, olive oil and almond oil are widely used. These oils are used with great caution for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, since these vegetable fats are absorbed by the body.

Use of medicinal herbs

Medicinal plants containing anthraglycosides, as well as drugs based on them, are used as laxatives. Medicinal herbs, as well as tablets and tinctures made from them, are very popular among pharmacy clients who practice self-medication. Long-term use of such drugs leads to the fact that a person cannot empty his bowels on his own. That is why it is unacceptable to start taking medications that contain anthranoids without consulting a doctor.

Anthraglycosides decompose in the body to release the substance emodin. It is absorbed into the bloodstream and passes into the large intestine, where it irritates the receptors. Thanks to this, peristalsis increases, and solid stool is expelled. These drugs are quite potent and help even in severe cases. The effect after administration occurs within 8 hours.

All herbal medicines are highly addictive. Therefore, with long-term use, the effectiveness weakens or disappears completely.

The following medicinal plants are used as laxatives:

buckthorn bark;
senna leaves;
rhubarb root;
Joster fruits.

All plant materials are available in different forms - tablets, powder and dry extract. Buckthorn bark is available in the form of syrup, which is convenient for use in treating children.

What laxative can be used by pregnant women?

During pregnancy, laxatives are used with great caution and only as prescribed by a doctor. While carrying a child, the list of medications for a woman is very limited, as there may be a negative effect on the fetus. Many laxative medications help contract not only the intestines, but also the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

Pregnant women are very prone to constipation as the uterus puts pressure on the intestines. If this condition worries the expectant mother, then first you need to adjust your diet. Eat boiled beets, apples, prunes, fresh kefir and black bread. You can drink a tablespoon of high-quality vegetable oil on an empty stomach.

If these methods do not bring the desired result, then resort to mild laxatives. During pregnancy, you are allowed to take the following medications:

duphalac (normolakt);
fortrans;
microlax.

Duphalact and Fortrans act after 3-4 hours. And here Microlax efficiency is very high. The effect of the microenema is noticeable within 10 minutes. The components included in the medication help to liquefy even dense stool.

Microlax is approved for use in the treatment of young children starting from the neonatal period. In this case, the dosage is selected by the pediatrician based on the weight and age of the baby.

How to choose the right laxative

When choosing laxatives, a certain principle is always used. Start with the weakest drug and gradually work your way up to the strongest.. If the problem has arisen recently, then take the mildest laxative, which has good effectiveness. When choosing a laxative, you need to consider the following factors:

Correctly determine the cause of the disease, since the type of drug will depend on this.
If long-term treatment is necessary, choose medications that are not addictive.
The choice must be made on those laxatives that are taken in the evening to empty the intestines in the morning, or on those that are drunk strictly on an empty stomach.
It is not advisable to drink Vaseline oil for a long time, as it can provoke the development of cancer.

On the shelves of pharmacies you can see many laxatives of different price categories. But, despite the fairly large selection, it is still worth doing without these medications if possible. The reason for this is side effects. The intestinal walls quickly get used to the irritant, so a constant increase in dosage is required. Weaning off laxatives is usually difficult and requires medical supervision.

Currently, pharmacies offer a very large number of different laxatives , which are used for.

Various reviews of good laxatives can be found online. But even the mildest laxatives for normalizing intestinal function have some disadvantages and are contraindicated in certain conditions. Those who choose an effective laxative to cleanse the intestines need to clearly understand how such a medicine works. After all, laxatives do not eliminate the cause of constipation and do not provide a therapeutic effect. They just help get rid of fecal stagnation in the intestines at the same time. That is, they are used to cleanse the intestines, and not for treatment. It is important to see a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications for constipation, digestive tablets and other medications.

How to choose a laxative?

Currently, many different laxatives are produced in Russia. But no matter how many drugs are offered in pharmacies, it is important to choose the best one. To choose the best laxative for cleansing the intestines, you need to know how all tablets, syrups, and herbal materials differ in their effect on the intestines.

It is very important that people who experience chronic constipation contact a specialist to undergo an examination and determine the causes of this condition. Then the doctor will advise what to drink for constipation in order to get rid of both the cause and the symptoms.

In most cases, chronic constipation develops as a result of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system. Therefore, before taking laxative pills or laxative herbs for constipation, you can try to improve the condition of the body by following a few simple steps that will help ensure that natural bowel movements occur without problems.

All laxatives for constipation in adults and children are usually divided, taking into account their nature of effect, into the following categories:

irritating drugs;
osmotic laxatives;
prebiotics - medications for constipation in adults and children;
excipient medications .

This classification helps determine how to cure the disease, depending on the cause of constipation, and how to alleviate the condition. Treatment of constipation in adults requires an integrated approach, therefore, a specialist can determine how to treat constipation in adults only after research helps to find out what causes chronic constipation.

Before you buy laxative teas or tablets, you need to clearly know what components they contain and how they work. It is important to choose a harmless medicine if the patient is worried chronic constipation , and such drugs have to be taken regularly. In this case, the optimal choice would be, which not only stimulate digestion, but also normalize the condition microflora . As a result, a long-term therapeutic effect is observed.

Irritant constipation tablets

Those looking for the most powerful laxative should pay attention to this group of drugs. Such drugs for the treatment of constipation provide the fastest effect. The number of such drugs is very large - the names of tablets for constipation in adults of this type are always listed by pharmacists at the pharmacy if people contact them with such a problem.

Anti-constipation pills are often used in older people as they are effective in intestinal atony or in case sluggish peristalsis . This category includes:

medicines: Sodium Picosulfate and etc.;
herbal remedies: castor oil, rhubarb root, senna leaves, joster fruits, buckthorn bark.

The main advantage of such drugs is that they are fast-acting laxatives. So, if such fast-acting remedies for constipation were taken in the evening, then normal stool is observed in the morning.

An effective, gentle and quick effect is ensured due to the fact that chemical irritation of colon receptors occurs and, as a result, stimulation of peristalsis. The result is a single bowel movement 6-10 hours after taking the medicine.

At the same time, when studying the list of fast-acting laxative tablets, the patient must take into account that such drugs produce side effects. That is why quick-acting laxatives in tablets and other forms cannot be used constantly. After all, with their regular use, the receptors of the colon are depleted, and its tone decreases.

If you take a fast-acting laxative at home continuously (more than 10 days in a row), your risk of developing intestinal atony , imbalances electrolytes in the blood, degeneration of nervous tissue.

As a result, the patient develops addiction; the initial dose no longer helps. But increasing the dose is not recommended. In order not to provoke such effects, it is advisable to take such drugs rarely, using periodically folk laxatives for fast-acting constipation.

Another common side effect when using such drugs is the development pain in the intestines . Therefore, many patients do not use strong rapid-acting laxatives in drops and tablets of this type, fearing the development of severe pain.

Fast-acting laxative suppositories are indicated, as well as drugs in drops and tablets, primarily for constipation, which is not chronic and develops in isolated cases.

Such drugs are contraindicated when lactation , infants (for children they are mainly used prebiotics , laxative for children from 1 year - only as prescribed by a doctor). Should not be used in acute cases. You cannot use such remedies for a long time.

Also contraindications for the use of such drugs are:

abdominal pain of unknown origin;
proctitis , in acute form, exacerbation;
bleeding of the stomach, uterus, intestines;
any inflammatory disease of the abdominal organs;
strangulated inguinal hernia;
symptoms of intestinal obstruction;
, peritonitis ;
violations of water-salt metabolism;
perforation of the stomach, intestines.

Analogues of this medicine - Stadalax , Bisad , Laxatin , Pirilax , Laxbene , Laxacodil .

The tablets are indicated for use in preparing the intestines for endoscopy , for patients who develop constipation after surgery, or if constipation occurs during dieting.

You need to take 1 tablet in the evening, before bed. If there is no effect, use 1-2 tablets. Children under 6 years of age are given half a tablet.

Side effects may include abdominal pain, intestinal colic, nausea, a feeling of heaviness in the intestines, and in rare cases, the appearance of mucus or blood after stool. After prolonged use it is possible intestinal atony , dehydration .

The product is relatively cheap, price – from 40 rubles.

Sennosides A and B

, Tisasen , Antrasennin , Senalex , Ex-Lax , chewable lozenges Senna , holly leaves Senna .

The composition of drugs from this group includes the sum of anthraglycosides, which are contained in the leaves of acute-leaved and narrow-leaved senna.

The use of this popular laxative, which is of plant origin, does not lead to addiction.

Such drugs are prescribed to regulate stool when hemorrhoids , at constipation , which develop as a result of sluggish peristalsis, with spastic and atonic constipation.

This remedy is used once a day, it acts 6-12 hours after administration. The dosage is determined depending on the form of the medicine that is used. Taken, as a rule, before bedtime.

Side effects and contraindications are the same as when taking .

This remedy is cheaper than other drugs, its price is from 45 rubles.

Sodium Picosulfate

, Weakened , Laxigal , .

Laxatives based on this component are tasteless and odorless

All these drugs act at the level of the colon, increasing intestinal motility, reducing the level of absorption of water and electrolytes.

Indications for use are the same as in previous descriptions.

After use, natural emptying occurs within 10-12 hours.

Side effects may include abdominal pain, cramps, dehydration, diarrhea, weakness, and low blood pressure.

Cannot be used in the first trimester of pregnancy, or in children under 4 years of age. Other contraindications are the same as in previous descriptions.

Cost – from 180 rub.

Glycerol

If used for a long time, there is a weakening of the physiological process of defecation.

The product is relatively inexpensive - from 80 rubles.

Prebiotics

When determining which laxative is best for constipation, you need to pay attention to another group of drugs. After all prebiotics – the safest modern means for overcoming constipation. They can be used even during pregnancy and during feeding. The doctor will tell you which remedy is best to choose.

The composition of drugs belonging to this group includes carbohydrates, the digestion of which does not occur in the upper gastrointestinal tract. They enter the large intestine unchanged, and there they stimulate the development of beneficial intestinal microflora.

This group of drugs includes, Inulin , fructooligosaccharides .

Any of these drugs is a mild laxative; it acts slowly, but when used, a more lasting therapeutic effect is observed than any irritant and saline laxative.

Any prebiotic is a mild laxative to cleanse the intestines. It not only stimulates the growth of beneficial microflora, but also provides the same effect as mild irritants and osmotic laxatives. Indeed, during the fermentation of prebiotics, organic acids are produced that stimulate the intestinal muscles.

Prebiotics are natural laxatives that are not addictive. They practically do not provoke side effects, with the exception of. However, this phenomenon goes away within a few days after starting to take such medications.

When taking this non-addictive medicine for constipation, the patient should not expect immediate action. After taking the medicine, stool appears only 2-3 days after the medicine was taken.

The instructions indicate that probiotics can be taken for both acute and chronic constipation.
These medications are often used to treat intestinal dysbiosis , in which stool retention and constipation are noted.
Prebiotics also produce a detoxifying effect and remove them from the body. nitrogen-containing substances .
They are used when hepatic encephalopathy .
When taking probiotics, there is an improvement in the absorption of calcium and fluoride.
The drugs suppress the proliferation of opportunistic microflora in the intestines.

Portalac syrup , Lactulose Poly , Romphalac , Lactulose Stada , Livolyuk-PB , .

A mild laxative that is prescribed for hepatic encephalopathy, constipation, and before diagnostic tests. Lactulose also has a hyperosmotic effect, promotes the excretion of ammonium ions, as well as more active absorption of phosphorus, calcium, and stimulation of intestinal motility. Under the influence of the drug, there is an active dilution of the stool, an increase in its volume, and an increase in the secretion of bile in the small intestine. It weakens slowly, but its effect is effective.

Cannot be used in case of intestinal obstruction, hypersensitivity to lactose, galactosemia; it should be used with caution in case of.

The dosage is determined individually. A doctor may prescribe these drugs for children; they are the best laxatives for newborns.

Lactitol

Importal N , - powder from which liquid medicine is prepared. Lactitol is used both as a sugar substitute in products for diabetics and for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the large intestine. The drug increases osmotic pressure, softens stool, and helps improve intestinal function.

The effect after administration is noted after some time - after 24 hours.

Should be taken orally, during meals, along with drinks.

Possible manifestations of abdominal discomfort and flatulence.

Laxatives with osmotic action

It is not recommended to use saline osmotic laxatives in patients with chronic constipation, which is caused by any gastrointestinal disease. As a rule, such drugs are prescribed for a one-time cleansing of the intestines if there is acute stool retention. Also, with the help of such remedies you can alleviate the condition of drug or food poisoning.

Compared to irritants, drugs of this type are safe, since their use does not cause the development of lazy bowel syndrome . These drugs can be chosen by those who need to take anti-constipation medications for a long time. Drugs type can be taken for up to three months. However, it should be noted that such drugs can only be taken to eliminate symptoms, but not to treat the disease.

This group includes salt medicines: sodium and magnesium sulfate , magnesium hydroxide , polyethylene glycol , Carlsbad salt , citrate .

After taking osmotic laxatives, water is retained in the intestinal lumen, as a result, stool softens and its volume increases. As a result, osmotic pressure increases and a laxative effect is noted.

Despite the fact that such laxatives can be used for a long time, if they are used regularly for several months, a violation of the water-salt balance and dehydration occurs. Therefore, taking such laxatives for constipation is not recommended for older people in particular, and for all other patients, for longer than 3 months. It is necessary to choose other, more gentle laxatives for older people, for example, glycerin. Also, medications of this type can cause abdominal pain during bowel movements.

Artificial Carlsbad salt

This product is a substitute for geyser Karlovy Vary salt. This is a saline laxative that has a choleretic effect.

Indicated for use in chronic, poisoning , constipation .

Should not be used for intestinal obstruction, high sensitivity, constipation.

During use, atony of the large intestine, diarrhea, and disturbances in water and electrolyte metabolism may occur.

You need to drink a laxative orally on an empty stomach; children over 2 years old need 1 tsp. Dilute the product in a glass of water. Take 40 minutes before meals.

Macrogol

If, however, it is not possible to cope with constipation using improvised methods, then the woman must be told by her doctor about what pills she can take during pregnancy. After all, any potent drugs in this condition are contraindicated for a woman. Medicines that activate peristalsis increase the tone of the uterus, which is unsafe during pregnancy.

Allowed medications during pregnancy - glycerin suppositories . You can also use folk remedies - a decoction of prunes, a mixture of dried fruits and honey. However, it is very important to note that many herbs (senna, buckthorn, etc.) are strictly prohibited during pregnancy.

conclusions

Thus, the remedy for constipation must be used very carefully, preferably on the recommendation of a doctor. It is important to select the optimal laxative for the elderly, bedridden patients, and cancer patients. Indeed, with inadequate therapy, it may occur laxative disease and other complications.

Laxatives for children should be selected very carefully. Any children's laxative must be prescribed by a doctor. As a rule, for constipation in children, medications are used in the form of syrups, solutions, and suppositories.

The best laxative for children under 3 years of age is rectal suppositories, as they are most convenient to use. After all, such a medicine acts locally and is therefore safe for the body. The best remedy for constipation for children is glycerin suppositories, as they are the safest. If one-eighth of a candle is used for a newborn baby, then half a candle is used for a 2-year-old child, and a whole candle is used for children 4 years and older.

Also for children, lactulose-based syrup can be used, as well as products Duphalac , Normolakt .

Regardless of the age at which a person develops constipation, it is important to determine the cause of this condition and direct all efforts to eliminate it.

Each of us at least once in our lives has encountered such a delicate problem as constipation. And if the illness is prolonged, then you are faced with choosing a remedy for treatment.

What to choose so that addiction does not develop and our intestines do not become lazy?

From this article we will learn which harmless laxatives are not addictive, which means they will be safe and suitable for long-term use if necessary.

How do osmotic drugs work?

First, let's figure out what it is? Osmotic agents retain water, increasing intestinal contents. Thanks to this, feces soften, swell, and peristalsis increases.

They are not addictive because they do not irritate the intestines. Therefore, the safest laxatives in this group can be used for quite a long time without harm to health.

Modern non-addictive laxatives

Typically available in several forms:

pills;
drops;
syrups;
candles.

Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Pills

They are easy to use and do not cause physical or psychological discomfort, because all you need is a little water to wash them down. What can you find at the pharmacy?

Drops

This form of release is convenient for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Taking them will be no more difficult than just drinking water. What drugs are available in the form of drops?

Guttalax

Contains sodium picosulfate. It begins to act 10-12 hours after administration. Best taken shortly before bedtime. Adults – from 10 to 30 drops. Children over 4 years old – 5-10 drops.

Contraindications:

abdominal pain;
strangulated hernia;
gastrointestinal bleeding;
acute inflammation of the abdominal cavity;
constipation caused by spasm;
dehydration;
age up to 4 years;
metrorrhagia;
cystitis;
increased sensitivity;
pregnancy 1st trimester.

Important! During lactation, do not use the drug without consulting your doctor.

The average price for 30 ml is 389 rubles.

Regulax picosulfate

Contains the same active ingredient as Guttalax. But the application scheme is slightly different. Adults – 13-26 drops. Children over 4 years old – 5-8 drops. Since the active substance of these drugs is identical, the contraindications are the same.

Do not use it in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters without consulting a doctor.

On average, the price for 20 ml will be 289 rubles.

You should know that sodium picosulfate drops should not be taken for longer than 14 days without consulting a doctor.

Drops V. Ogarkova Forte

Another remedy for solving delicate problems. Unlike the two previous drugs These drops contain extracts of medicinal plants: rose hips, senna, licorice, nettle leaves, and aloe.

Adults can take 30 drops 3 times daily with meals. Shake well before use as drops will form sediment.

Contraindications:

intolerance to components;
pregnancy and lactation;
tendency to diarrhea;
acute gastrointestinal disorders.

You can purchase Ogarkov drops for 305 rubles.

Candles

Their main advantage is that they are easy to use, especially in children and the elderly, and, given their local use, their effect on the gastrointestinal tract is eliminated. Let's get acquainted with the drugs in this group.

Bisacodyl

Stimulates the production of mucus, which helps to easily remove feces. Suppositories are inserted deep into the anus 1 time at night. Children under 7 years old – 1/2 suppository; 8-14 years, one candle at night; everyone over 14 years old – 1-2 suppositories.

Using the drug from time to time, you are unlikely to develop addiction, but still taking into account the contraindications characteristic of drugs in this group, among others listed above, Bisacodyl should be avoided if you have:

proctitis or hemorrhoids in acute form;
hereditary lactose intolerance - lactase deficiency;
hypersensitivity;
glucose/galactose malabsorption syndrome;
children under 3 years of age.

Attention! Use with caution if you are pregnant or nursing.

Packed in 10 pieces, costs 47-60 rubles.

Glycelax

Contains glycerin, which has a softening effect on feces and also improves motility. 15-20 minutes after breakfast, carefully insert one suppository into the rectum.

Do not use if you have:

sensitivity to components;
exacerbation of hemorrhoids;
inflammation and tumors of the rectum;
pregnancy.

Should be taken with caution in case of renal failure.

During lactation, consultation with a specialist is necessary.

Can be bought for 117-181 rubles.

Evacue

A gas-forming harmless product that when dissolved, it forms gas bubbles, irritating the receptors of the intestinal mucosa. Contains sodium bicarbonate, potassium bitartrate, polyethylene glycol. Before use, try to relax, otherwise you may damage the mucous membrane.

If you suffer from hemorrhoids, then before use, lubricate the candle with Vaseline, sunflower or olive oil. Try to keep it inside as long as possible, while moving actively, do not sit.

Evacuation vehicles have a high safety profile, because the only contraindication is individual intolerance and age under 12 years. The drug is approved for use even during pregnancy and lactation.

The drug is not cheap, but given its safety, it can justify its cost. It will cost you 500-600 rubles, the package contains 6 suppositories.

Salt

They are useful for acute constipation, and also if you are preparing for diagnostic procedures. They are slowly absorbed, retain water, which leads to easy excretion of feces. Due to its irritating effect, they increase peristalsis. Let's get to know some of them.

Magnesium sulfate

Contains the substance of the same name, packaged in disposable sachets. Take at night or on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals. Dissolve 10-30 g in 1/2 glass of warm water and drink. You can also do it - dilute 20-30 g in the same volume of water.

Contraindications:

hypersensitivity;
appendicitis;
rectal bleeding (including suspected);
hypermagnesemia;
intestinal obstruction;
dehydration;
bradycardia;
renal failure;
haemorrhoids.

Important! In the case of children, the dosage is 1 g per year of the child’s life, but since the drug has side effects, consult a doctor! Avoid systematic use.

Price 33-50 rubles.

Sodium sulfate

Known as Glauber's salt, it is named after the active substance included in its composition. Dilute 15-30 g of powder in warm water and drink. It is better to take on an empty stomach.

Contraindications for use:

acute inflammatory diseases of the abdominal cavity;
stomach and duodenal ulcers;
ulcerative colitis;
peritonitis;
appendicitis;
menstruation;
hemorrhoids in the acute stage;
exhaustion;
low blood pressure;
advanced age;
pregnancy and lactation period.

Finding Glauber's salt is quite difficult, but if you want to use it, you can ask in veterinary stores. A kilogram of salt will cost about 100 rubles.

Carlsbad salt

Mineral geyser salt. Contains sulfate, bicarbonate, sodium chloride and potassium sulfate. It is recommended to use 0.5 g, pre-dissolved in 1/2 glass of water, once, before meals. Should not be taken for more than 3 weeks.

Contraindicated:

intolerance to components;
pregnancy and lactation;
diseases of the cardiovascular system accompanied by edema;
for kidney problems.

Price from 890 to 1200 rubles per 100g.

Safe traditional recipes

The experience of traditional medicine goes back centuries. Therefore, let's not discount him. Her recipes may be simple, but no less effective, and most often do not have serious contraindications or side effects. You may want to try them before committing to more serious treatments.

Raisin water

Easy to prepare. All we need is a tablespoon of pure raisins and a glass of boiling water.

Brew as tea or leave in a thermos for an hour and the delicious medicine is ready.

Start with a glass a day, adjust the amount as needed.

Beetroot broth

Another no less effective gentle remedy for cleansing the intestines. To prepare it you will need:

prunes;
beet;
cereals.

You need to take 100 g of everything, as well as 2 liters of water.
Mix everything and cook for about an hour, after peeling the beets and grating them.
Strain, cool, and take 200 ml before bed.

Store the finished broth in the refrigerator; it is recommended to warm it up before use.

Kefir with butter

Lovers of fermented milk products can try kefir with butter. To do this, 200 ml of fresh low-fat kefir should be mixed with 1 tsp. vegetable oil and drink before bed.

Although constipation is an unpleasant phenomenon, we have many ways to combat it. Let us remember that it is better to solve the problem comprehensively, without relying only on natural laxatives. Don't forget about your drinking regime and move more, and let your morning be easy!

Stories from our readers

Conquered hemorrhoids at home. It's been a month since I forgot about my bumps. Oh, I tried so many methods - nothing helped. How many times did I go to the doctors, but they prescribed me useless medications over and over again, and when I returned, the doctors recommended surgery. I finally got over my illness, all thanks to this article. Anyone who has hemorrhoids should read it!

Video: how to treat hemorrhoids?

Constipation, unfortunately, is not uncommon these days. They occur in many people for various reasons (poor nutrition, metabolic disorders, the influence of antibiotics, pregnancy and others). Having decided to buy pills for constipation, we usually ask for advice from friends or a pharmacist because there are a lot of such drugs on the pharmacy window. Each drug has its own nuances (indications, contraindications, composition). In any case, laxative tablets do not eliminate the cause of the unpleasant condition; they only dilute the stool and promote bowel movements.

Anyone who is already exhausted by constant constipation is looking for a quick-acting medicine, without thinking about the fact that initially it is necessary to identify the cause of bowel dysfunction and then eliminate it. This is the only way to get rid of annoying constipation. If you have chronic constipation, you should not listen to every adviser, try recommended medications on yourself, trying to find one that will help. After all, you are not a guinea pig. Take care of your body, reconsider your lifestyle and nutrition.

Before you start using tablets for constipation, try to resolve the problem using the tips below:

In the morning, as soon as you wake up, you need to drink a glass of warm water (it is recommended that it be at room temperature). Any mineral water, but without gases, is ideal. It is advisable to drink water before breakfast (30 - 40 minutes before it). This procedure helps cleanse the stomach and start the digestion process.
Try to stick to a healthy diet and lead an active lifestyle. To improve intestinal motility and prevent constipation, you should include prunes, beets, apricots, cabbage, and any fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Drink coffee, honey.
Perform abdominal massage.
You need to consume fresh kefir before bed.
It is recommended to use castor oil as a quick-acting laxative.

Before purchasing, using any laxative, you must carefully study the instructions to find out the components of the drug and possible side effects. Experts do not recommend taking the same remedy for constipation over a long period. For chronic constipation, it is necessary to give preference to prebiotic drugs. They help restore microflora and stimulate intestinal activity. It is these drugs that will have a stable, long-term therapeutic effect.

Medicines are considered the fastest, most effective remedies for constipation. They have a laxative effect, easing the patient's condition. Medicines for violation of normal bowel movements are produced in various forms:

pills;
syrups;
candles;
drops;
chewable tablets for constipation.

There are also many herbal remedies in the pharmacy:

rhubarb root;
Castor oil;
buckthorn bark;
senna leaves;
Joster fruits.

The advantages of all of the above remedies for constipation lie in the speed of their action. If you take any of these remedies in the evening, the patient will feel a laxative effect in the morning. Such a rapid laxative effect is achieved through chemical irritation of the colon receptors, which is what provokes increased peristalsis. Due to this stimulation of the colon, defecation is observed within 6 to 10 hours after taking the medicine.

Tablets for constipation in the elderly have certain disadvantages. One of them is the impossibility of their systematic use for sluggish intestines. They can provoke depletion of colon receptors and significantly reduce its tone. Long-term use of such drugs (about 10 days in a row) can cause degeneration of nervous tissue, laxative disease, intestinal atony, and disturbances in the electrolyte balance of the blood.

The use of such drugs quickly becomes addictive. Accordingly, the initial dose ceases to be effective over time. Among the disadvantages of such drugs is intense pain inside the intestines.

These drugs are recommended for use for constipation (occasional, acute). But people take them for chronic defecation disorders, but they are contraindicated for long-term use. In addition, there is a whole list of contraindications that few constipation sufferers pay attention to, namely:

pregnancy;
lactation period;
acute pancreatitis;
exacerbation of anal fissures;
abdominal pain of unknown etiology;
perforation of the stomach, intestines;
intestinal obstruction;
bleeding (intestinal, uterine, stomach);
acute hemorrhoids;
acute inflammatory diseases of the peritoneal organs;
peritonitis;
violation of water-salt metabolism;
cystitis;
strangulation of the inguinal hernia.

Many are attracted by the fact that one lozenge will eliminate an unpleasant symptom.

Popular laxatives

Let's consider the most popular active substances that help liquefy stool, as well as drugs in which they are the main components.

This substance is a component of such medicines:

"Dulcolax".
"Pirilax"
"Laxatin."
"Stadalax".
"Laxacodil."
"Laxbene".
"Bisad."

Such medications are usually prescribed to cleanse the body (intestines) before endoscopic examination, during dietary nutrition, and for postoperative constipation. Long-term use of drugs can cause dehydration, intestinal atony, and loss of electrolytes.

Sodium picosulfate. It is part of the following drugs:

"Weak."
"Guttalax"
"Regulax Picosulfate".
"Guttasil."
"Slackcap."
"Laxigal."

These drugs act at the level of the colon. They help reduce the absorption of water and electrolytes, and increase intestinal motility.

These components are present in:

"Senna holly leaves."
"Senadexin".
"Ex-Lax."
"Regulax".
“Senna chewable lozenges” (they taste like chocolate and vanilla).
"Herbion Laksana".
"Antrasennin."
"Senalex".
"Senade".
"Tisasen."

This herbal laxative has a quick effect, but it is not addictive.

Glycerol. It is included in such remedies for constipation in adults as:

"Glycelax".
"Glycerin suppositories".

These products promote easy passage of feces through the intestines due to their lubricating effect. These drugs stimulate and irritate the intestinal mucosa.

If such medications are used over a long period, the physiological process of bowel movement may noticeably weaken.

Prebiotics are considered slow-acting laxatives. They are considered the safest medications that can be used to combat constipation. These drugs are allowed during pregnancy and lactation. They are represented by food ingredients (carbohydrates), the digestion of which is impossible in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Once they reach the colon, they stimulate the growth of beneficial microflora inside the intestine.

The following substances are considered popular prebiotics:

lactulose;
inulin;
fructooligosaccharides.

These drugs manifest their effect slowly, but their advantage lies in the safety and durability of the therapeutic effect.

The following preparations are made based on lactulose:

"Stada Lactulose".
"Normaze."
"Lactulose Poly".
"Duphalac".
"Romphalak".
"Portalak syrup."
"Livolyuk-PB".
"Good luck".

The following medications are made based on lactitol:

"Importal N".
"Exportal".

These drugs can cause the following side effects: discomfort in the abdomen, flatulence.

Osmotic drugs

If constipation is chronic, it is not advisable to use osmotic laxatives. They are safe, they can be taken for a long time (about 3 months), but their effect is manifested only in eliminating the symptoms, but not the cause of constipation.

Such drugs have an important advantage: they do not weaken muscle tone and are not addictive. The group includes the following salt preparations:

magnesium hydroxide;
citrate;
magnesium sulfate;
polyethylene glycol;
Carlsbad salt.

Constipation sufferers often use the following medications from this group:

"Fortrans".
"Forteza Rompharm".
"Lavacol."
"Forlax".
"Realaxan".
"Osmogol."
"Transipeg."

They normalize intestinal function and maintain its functioning at a stable level in the future.

Natural fillers (bulk) can be natural or synthetic. Their peculiarity is that they are difficult to digest; they are not absorbed, due to which they significantly increase the volume of feces and accelerate the act of defecation.

The popularity of such drugs is not very high due to the presence of side effects such as:

pain;
flatulence;
rumbling.

Drugs in this group:

Agar-agar.
Methylcellulose.
Flax seed.
The husk of plantain seeds is ovoid, oval.
Sterculia.
Fleawort seeds.
Wheat bran.

Herbal remedies for constipation

Popular herbal remedies for constipation are:

Phytolax.
Buckthorn fruits.
Kafiol.
Laminaria thallus.
Proctophytol.
Laxative collection No. 1.
Licorice root powder.
Laxative collection No. 2.
Rhubarb palmate roots.
Stalnik tincture.
Stalnik tincture.

Any remedy for constipation should be selected after consultation with a specialist. He must initially establish the causes of this pathology in order to prescribe the most effective, fast-acting remedy.

Constipation is a very common phenomenon that, for various reasons, affects about 20% of the entire population, regardless of age. We are talking about the absence of bowel movements for more than 24 hours or the inability to completely empty the intestines. Depending on the cause of the problem and the type of constipation, laxatives of various effects may be prescribed, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Features of the use of laxatives

It is quite natural that you want to get rid of constipation as quickly as possible; for this purpose, victims, bypassing the doctor, look for the strongest laxative in the pharmacy, forgetting that:

Most of these drugs have contraindications.
If taken uncontrolled, there is a high risk of addiction.
In case of sudden constipation, the best effect is provided by microenemas and suppositories, and a chronic problem should be eliminated using prebiotics in tablet form.
The drug should be taken before a night's rest, since it begins to act only after 6-12 hours.

Laxatives are intended to stimulate peristalsis and speed up the excretion of feces from the body. Release forms include tablets, drops, microenemas, suppositories, herbal preparations. Based on their origin, medicines are divided into herbal and synthetic.

Mechanisms of action and indications for use

Medicines are divided into certain groups according to their mechanism of action:

To improve secretion and slow down the adsorption of H2O in the large intestine.
To increase the volume of the organ.
To simplify the movement of feces through the intestines.

When classifying, drugs are divided into irritants, produced in suppositories, tablets, powders; prebiotics that affect intestinal microflora; osmotic, which have the most rapid and powerful laxative effect, and fillers.

Important. It is necessary to understand that the selection of funds should be carried out by a specialist, since it depends on the restrictions on use, side effects, and the reasons that provoked the problem.

Irritant drugs

This group includes most of the remedies for constipation made on the basis of medicinal plants. They have many limitations and side effects, however, almost every drug in the group is a very effective laxative. During the intake process, irritation of the nerve endings of the intestinal wall occurs, which causes contraction of the intestinal muscles, increased secretion and increased movement of feces.

Among the most common side effects of the drugs in this group are “lazy bowels” and abdominal discomfort due to increased accumulation of feces, rapid movement of masses, which irritates pain receptors.

The following drugs are contraindicated:

When carrying and feeding a child.
In infancy.
For abdominal pain of unknown origin.
For a number of pathologies - pancreatitis, peritonitis, hemorrhoids.
In case of obstruction of the organ and perforation of its walls.
For inflammation of organs located in the abdominal cavity and their bleeding.

The best laxative in this group for cleansing the intestines is Bisacodyl and its analogues (Dulcolax or Bisad and others).

Also very popular are:

Sennosides, which include Regulax and Herbion Laxana, Senade;
preparations based on Sodium Picosulfate (Regulax and Guttalax);
medications based on Glycerol (Glycerin suppositories).

Osmotic substances

Such drugs are recommended as symptomatic drugs, whose systemic effect is very small. These agents, penetrating into the intestines, increase osmotic pressure, taking water from nearby tissues; accordingly, its amount in the intestinal lumen increases, stool increases in volume and softens, and the process of emptying is simplified.

The most common side effects include abdominal pain, water-salt imbalance, intestinal cramps and dehydration. Drugs in this group are not recommended for use by elderly patients with cardiac pathologies, children and victims with diseases of the digestive system.

If we consider which is the most powerful laxative in the group, we should mention:

Carlsbad artificial salt.
Macrogol or its analogues - Realaxan, Fortrans, Forlax.
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, among which analogues are Magnesia, Epsom or bitter salt.
The drug Microlax, which is a rectal solution. Moreover, its effect is combined, both diluting and irritating.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are indigestible carbohydrates that, when entering the body, reach the lower parts of the digestive tract without changing the structure. Prebiotics act similarly to both osmotic and irritant agents, attracting moisture to the intestines, stimulating the contraction of muscle tissue. These drugs are prescribed for chronic forms of constipation, intestinal dysbiosis, poisoning, and hepatic encephalopathy.

Considering the natural origin of prebiotics, side effects are almost completely absent, with the exception of flatulence, which disappears two to three days after use. A contraindication is individual intolerance to the components.

The list of the most effective drugs includes:

Lactulose and its analogues - Duphalac, Romphalac, Goodluck and others;
Lactitol (Importal N and Exportal).

Colon fillers

Bulking agents are synthetic and natural products that are not absorbed by the intestines, are difficult to digest, and are designed to increase the volume of feces and speed up bowel movements. Such substances have a mild and slow effect, but even in the presence of chronic constipation, not all victims strive to use them, since side effects include bloating and pain. Intestinal motility does not improve when taking the drugs.

The most popular substances in this group include:

flax and flower seeds;
wheat bran;
seaweed;
Mucofalk;
Methyl cellulose.

Important! When taking medications, it is important to maintain a drinking regime, consuming at least two liters of liquid per day.

The drugs are contraindicated in pregnant women, as there is a risk of miscarriage, in the presence of intestinal obstruction, and in case of neurological problems.

Laxative drops

Constipation is often caused by insufficient physical activity, eating disorders, improperly composed diet and sedentary work, and emotional overload. Laxative drops can refer to irritating drugs, prebiotics, drugs that stimulate organ peristalsis.

If we consider the most effective laxative drops, the list of fast-acting drugs can include:

Guttalax is aimed at stimulating intestinal function - the active component of the drug begins to act once it enters the large intestine, the effect becomes noticeable after 6-12 hours. Prescribed before surgical interventions to normalize stool.
Weak - increases intestinal tone, improves peristalsis of the organ, is used for gastrointestinal diseases accompanied by constipation, hemorrhoids, inflammation occurring in the rectum, in case of anal fissures.
Ogarkov drops stabilize stools and improve peristalsis, preventing fermentation and putrefactive processes.
Hilak forte - normalizes the intestinal microflora, recommended after antibiotic treatment, taking medications that disrupt the gastrointestinal tract, and for chronic gastroenteritis.

For elderly patients in whom constipation becomes common, Regulax and Prelax drops are prescribed, which have a mild effect. A more effective remedy is Forlax, but before taking it you should consult a therapist.

Baby Calm, which contains exclusively herbal ingredients, is approved for babies from birth. The composition includes oils that stimulate peristalsis and reduce gas formation. However, the remedy will not help with congenital pathologies and gastrointestinal diseases accompanied by constipation.