Is it OK to take a laxative every week?

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.

How many times can you take a laxative a week?

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 should I take laxatives?

Don’t use laxatives for longer than 1 week unless your doctor recommends it. Long-term use or overuse of laxatives can cause health problems. Overusing laxatives may also hide symptoms your doctor should know about.

How often is it safe to take a laxative?

Laxatives can be taken orally (by mouth) in the form of liquids, tablets, or capsules. They can also be taken through the rectum – for example, suppositories or enemas. Some people need to move their bowels 2-3 times a day, while others go 2-3 times a week; there is no “normal” number of times.

When should I stop taking laxatives?

Stop taking a laxative when your constipation improves. If your constipation has not improved after taking laxatives for a week, speak to a GP. After taking a laxative, you can make certain lifestyle changes to help stop getting constipated again, such as: drinking plenty of water.

Is taking laxatives everyday bad for you?

Laxatives can cause long-term constipation, but they can cause diarrhea too. Damage. Using laxatives too often and for too long can damage your intestines. This can lead to a greater chance of having colon cancer.

What foods should you eat after taking laxatives?

Drinking lots of fluid and fluid-based foods will help you avoid dehydration. Your doctor may also recommend you follow a soft, low-residue diet immediately after the procedure. This consists of a limited amount of dairy, plus low-fiber foods which are easy to digest and produce less stool.

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.

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.

What can you do if you take too many laxatives?

Step#1 Understand your condition. If you have actually been abusing laxatives for more than a year,it would be a great idea for you to obtain your electrolytes and potassium