Can you take a laxative once a month?

In most cases, you should only take laxatives occasionally and on a short-term basis. Using laxatives frequently or every day can be harmful. Using laxatives on a long-term basis can make your body dependent on them, so your bowel no longer functions properly without the medication.

Is there a laxative you can take long term?

In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.

How often can laxative be taken?

Stimulant laxatives can be taken by mouth or by suppository. When taken by mouth they work in about seven hours; by suppository they can work in about 30 minutes. These laxatives should never be used more than once every three days because they can cause your bowel to lose its ability to contract.

How long is it safe to take a laxative?

You shouldn’t need to use a laxative for longer than a week, though. If your bowel movements still aren’t regular after using a laxative for seven days, contact your doctor before you use it any longer. Generally, laxatives are safe for people who are 12 years or older.

What happens if you take laxative everyday?

The overuse of laxatives can lead to electrolyte disturbances, dehydration and mineral deficiencies. Laxative abuse can also cause long-term and potentially permanent damage to the digestive system, including chronic constipation and damage to the nerves and muscles of the colon.

Can you become dependent on Dulcolax?

Long-term and excessive use may also cause the bowel to become dependent on DULCOLAX for it to produce a bowel motion. As for other medicines, ask for your doctor’s advice if you are pregnant, or likely to become pregnant during your course of DULCOLAX.

Where does feces go when constipated?

In most cases, as food moves through your colon, the colon absorbs water while it makes stool. Muscle movements (contractions) push the stool toward your rectum. When the stool gets to the rectum, most of the water has been soaked up. The stool is now solid.

Should you take laxatives before or after a meal?

Oral laxatives should be taken after meals with a full glass of cold water or juice, according to Drugs.com. Laxatives are taken after meals because they can prevent your body from absorbing nutrients if they are taken together with food.

What happens if you take too many laxatives in a day?

Laxative overuse for a period of weeks or months can result in dysfunctional bowel syndrome. Your colon can lose its normal ability to contract, causing constipation, fecal impaction and the inability to have a bowel movement without taking more laxatives.

Is it safe to drink alcohol after taking laxatives?

Because the liver metabolizes both alcohol and many medications (including laxatives), drinking alcohol and taking medications could impact how effective medicines may be. Also, some laxative medications contain alcohol, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Can you eat before taking a laxative?

In fact, with some laxatives, the more important question is how long to wait after eating before taking it. According to Mayo Clinic, some laxatives, like mineral oil, shouldn’t be taken within two hours of eating because they can interfere with digestion and the absorption of key nutrients.