How many gentle laxatives can I take?

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away….Keep out of reach of children.

adults and children 12 years and over	take 1 to 3 tablets in a single daily dose
children 6 to under 12 years	take 1 tablet in a single daily dose
children under 6 years	ask a doctor

Can taking too many laxatives have the opposite effect?

FACT: People who use excessive amounts of laxatives will eventually find the exact opposite happening—the laxatives will cause reflex constipation. MYTH: All laxatives are alike. FACT: There are many different types of laxatives that are taken by mouth or as a suppository.

How fast do gentle laxatives work?

This effect usually results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. The normal frequency of bowel movements varies from once daily to 1 to 2 times weekly.

How long do gentle laxatives take to wear off?

The active ingredients of laxatives can have different half-lives. For example, the half-life of lactulose is about 2 hours while the half-life of bisacodyl is 16 hours. Bulk-forming laxatives don’t have a half-life, because they’re eliminated with your next bowel movement.

What should you do if you take too many laxatives?

Taking too many laxatives overtime may weaken the bowel muscles, further leading to constipation. Contact a doctor after taking laxatives if you experience symptoms including dry mouth, thirst, reduced urine output and lightheadedness, especially with changes in position, after taking these laxatives.

What is considered a laxative overdose?

Laxative overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose. Most laxative overdoses in children are accidental. However, some people regularly take overdoses of laxatives to try to lose weight.

Can laxatives make you feel sick?

Share on Pinterest Negative side effects include bloating, feeling sick, and abdominal discomfort. Like any medication, laxatives can have side effects. Exactly what side effects a person will experience will depend on what type they are taking.

What is the best time of day to take a laxative?

Stimulant laxatives are usually taken on an empty stomach for rapid effect. Results are slowed if taken with food. Many stimulant laxatives (but not castor oil) are often taken at bedtime to produce results the next morning (although some may require 24 hours or more).

What happens if you take too many laxatives at once?

But if you take stimulant laxatives too often, you could become dependent on them to have a bowel movement at all—possibly because the bowel is not functioning normally. If you find yourself trying one laxative after another for long periods, see your doctor for an evaluation.

How long does it take for liquid laxatives to work?

Liquid forms may be taken in milk or fruit juice to improve flavor. When taking a product that contains only a stool softener, results usually occur 1 to 2 days after the first dose. However, this may not occur for some individuals until after 3 to 5 days. For patients taking laxatives containing a hyperosmotic ingredient:

Is it better to take a laxative on an empty stomach?

When a larger dose is taken on an empty stomach, the results are quicker. When a smaller dose is taken with food, the results are delayed. Therefore, large doses of saline laxatives are usually not taken late in the day on an empty stomach.