Can you buy laxatives over the counter

Castor oil is a stimulant laxative. Using it a lot can cause you to lose muscle tone in your bowel. This can lead to long-term constipation. Mineral oil and castor oil also interact with some medicines. These include blood-thinners, antibiotics such as tetracycline, and certain heart and bone medicines.

Stop taking laxatives and call your doctor if you have any bleeding from your rectum. These could be signs of a more serious problem.

Last Updated: May 12, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plants that aids in digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Stool soiling happens when children who are toilet trained accidentally leak feces into their underwear. Constipation is one of…. People of all ages experience…. Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. It can be caused by: your diet certain medicines dehydration too little physical activity intestinal problems Constipation can usually be treated with medicines called laxatives.

Path to improved health How do laxatives work? Examples of bulk-forming laxatives include: psyllium 1 brand name: Metamucil polycarbophil 1 brand name: FiberCon methylcellulose 1 brand name: Citrucel To reduce your risk of side effects, you should start slowly.

Lubricant laxatives These coat the surface of the stools to make them slippery. Stool softeners These help mix fluid into stools to soften them. Osmotic laxatives These cause the intestine to hold more fluid. Stimulant laxatives These are the harshest type of laxatives. Should I use a laxative to treat constipation? You can prevent or treat constipation by: Eating foods rich in soluble and insoluble fiber bran, oats, foods made with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Drinking enough fluids. Getting enough exercise. How do I safely take OTC laxatives? Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous. How can I safely store OTC laxatives? Could laxatives cause problems with any medicines or supplements I take? When should I call my doctor? If you have any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor before using an OTC laxative: nausea stomach pain sudden change in your bowel habits that lasts 2 weeks or longer vomiting blood in stool Stop taking laxatives and call your doctor if you have any bleeding from your rectum.

Questions to ask your doctor What kind of laxative is best for me? Am I taking any other medicines that will interact with a laxative? Do I need a prescription laxative, or can I buy one over the counter? A single-ingredient laxative may work better for you. Read labels to make sure you know what you're taking, and use with caution.

If you've recently given birth, consult your doctor before using laxatives. Although they're usually safe to use during breast-feeding, some ingredients may pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea in nursing infants.

If you're dependent on laxatives to have a bowel movement, ask your doctor for suggestions on how to gradually withdraw from them and restore your colon's natural ability to contract.

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See more conditions. They work more slowly than other types and may require a few hours, or even overnight, to produce the desired effect. Mineral oil is the most commonly used lubricant laxative. The body does not digest mineral oil, so it retains its greasy consistency throughout the digestive process. Long-term use of mineral oil can lead to side effects like fecal seepage and anal incontinence, as well as vitamin deficiencies.

Though laxatives usually get the job done, relief often comes at a cost. Many people become so reliant on laxatives that they begin to overuse them, some without even realizing it. Overuse can damage your pancreas and the lining of your colon.

Laxative abuse can even lead to dependence, which means the inability to have a bowel movement without them. Here are some of the negative side effects that come from overusing laxatives:.

If constipation is a common occurrence, reassess the foods you eat rather than reaching for the medicine cabinet. Laxatives only treat the symptoms of a larger issue. It's very likely that your difficulty in the bathroom is due to a lack of fiber. In fact, fewer than 3 percent of Americans get enough fiber on a daily basis. If you could use more fiber, many of the best laxative foods are a great source.

Check out my article about the best sources of fiber to increase your intake. Even if you do follow a healthy eating plan, a weekend of indulgence or even a new medication can cause occasional constipation. Regularly cleaning your colon with a gentle, oxygen-based colon cleanser like Oxy-Powder can keep your bowel movements regular and satisfying.

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