Laxatives

Laxatives are a type of medicine that help you poo.

They're mainly used:

• to treat difficulty pooing (constipation)
• if you have a condition like an anal fissure, when it helps if your poo is soft or you can poo more easily
• if you have a condition or are taking a medicine that can cause difficulty pooing – you might be prescribed laxatives to make this less likely

They may also be used to make sure your bowels are empty before a scan or procedure, such as a colonoscopy.

There are 4 main types of laxative, which work in different ways.

Not all laxatives are listed here. If you cannot find your medicine, check the leaflet that comes with your laxative, or ask a pharmacist or your doctor.

If you're buying laxatives without a prescription, it's usually best to try a bulk-forming laxative first.

If this does not work for you or you're not sure what type to try, a pharmacist can help. Try not to be embarrassed. They will be used to talking about these symptoms.

Laxatives may come as:

• tablets, capsules or liquid you swallow
• liquid or packets of powder you mix with water and then drink
• medicine you put into your bottom where it dissolves (suppositories)
• liquids or gels you put inside your bottom (enemas)

Some laxatives may need to be taken at a certain time of day. The instruction leaflet that comes with your medicine will explain how and when to take it.

If you're taking bulk-forming or osmotic laxatives, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

If you bought laxatives without a prescription, stop taking them when your constipation improves and do not take them for longer than 7 days.

If you've used laxatives for 3 days and they have not helped, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Like all medicines, laxatives can cause side effects.

Common side effects

Any side effects you may get depend on the type of laxative you're taking, but common side effects of most laxatives include:

• farting
• bloating
• stomach pain and cramps
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• diarrhoea

These side effects are usually mild and should stop once you stop taking the laxative.

Serious side effects

If you use laxatives too often or for too long, they can cause problems such as:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised and itchy rash, and difficulty breathing
• dehydration – causing symptoms such as headaches, feeling light-headed and pee that's darker than normal
• a blockage in your bowel (intestinal obstruction)
• low potassium in your blood – causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, tiredness, needing to pee a lot and heart rhythm problems

This is not a full list of all the possible side effects of laxatives. Check the information leaflet that comes with your medicine to find out more.

Most adults can take laxatives.

Check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking laxatives if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to a laxative – this can include a skin rash, or swelling of the face and throat
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have a heart condition, such as heart failure
• have difficulty swallowing
• have a digestive a condition, like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• have a lactose intolerance – some laxatives contain lactose
• are taking opioid painkillers, such as codeine or morphine

You can usually still use laxatives, but some types might not be suitable for you. Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine.

Babies and children can take laxatives if recommended by a GP.

Laxatives are mainly used to treat difficulty pooing (constipation) or conditions like an anal fissure, where it helps if you can poo more easily.

There are different types of laxatives that work in different ways to help you poo. A pharmacist can help you pick the best type of laxative for you.

Common side effects of laxatives include farting, bloating, stomach pain and diarrhoea. These should stop once you stop taking the medicine.

Most adults can use laxatives. Always check the leaflet that comes with the medicine, and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure.