Silver Spring, MD
A 64-year-old male asked:
is it safe to take over-the-counter senna laxative every day to relieve constipation?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Cloud answered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 41 years experience
Constipation: Constipation becomes more of an issue as we grow older. If a high fiber diet, plenty of water and avoidance of too much dairy( they harder the stool) doesnt keep tou regular, then it's much better to take a daily laxative than to strain or not go for days. More importantly, if you haven't had a recent colonoscopies exam, you should have one to make sure nothing else is going on.
4438 viewsAnswered Aug 28, 2020
1 comment
Dr. Sheila Liewald commented
Holistic Medicine 14 years experience
Laxatives can become addicting and your bowels may eventually depend on them. You really want to get the root of why you aren't able to go.
Feb 18, 2014
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Last updated Aug 28, 2020
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