A 46-year-old member asked:
how much is too much of laxative (constipation)?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Eric Kaplan answered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 42 years experience
Generally I am: Not in favor of chronic laxative use. A hi fiber diet along with 80-100 oz of caffeine free/alcohol free fluid per day usually corrects the problem. You are approaching the age for colon screening and if the above doesn't work for you after trying for 2 weeks minimum, you may be a candidate for a colonoscopy even at age 46 or at least an evaluation. Tlk with a colon and rectal surgeon or GI doctor.
4934 viewsAnswered Sep 30, 2018
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Similar questions
A 47-year-old member asked:
Can I use a laxative for my constipation?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arthur Heller answered
Gastroenterology 43 years experience
Ask oyur doc: Don't know you, your history, etc. There are lots of causes for con, and others.
See your doctor to find out.Stipation; they range from not enough fiber, fluid, activity, to drug effects, to metabolic abnormalities, to anatomic abnormalities.
6124 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
When are laxatives good for constipation and when are the dangerous?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bennett Werner answered
Cardiology 44 years experience
Short term: Laxatives are good in the short run but bad when you rely them all the time because they train the bowel expect that extra "nudge" and then they don't work without it. Instead, use bulking foods: high fiber cereals like fiber one and all bran which you can safely take (and should take) every day.
5728 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Bosnia and Herzegovina
A 19-year-old female asked:
I am still constipated after a laxative what now?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Milton Alvis, jr answered
Preventive Medicine 41 years experience
Careful Re: Dx & Tx: Constipation is a diagnosis in the judgement of the person making the Dx; but this do not mean the Dx is correct or true. Treatment, even if Dx is correct, does not mean the Tx selected will necessarily be successful. There are many variables here, as usual. Thus question either the Dx and/or the efficacy of the Tx, as implemented. Medicine always trial & error; focus on strategies which do work.
5386 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
Dr. Milton Alvis, jr commented
Preventive Medicine 41 years experience
Provided original answer
Most effective strategies for constipation tend to be ↑ed physical activity (e.g. walking, jogging), staying well hydrated, eating foods with lots of soluble fiber (e.g. cooked above ground low-carb veggies; prepare well to taste) &, only as a fall-back, oral (much more effective than rectal) laxative products which ↑water binding. Avoid products which stimulate colon (they ↑problems over time).
Aug 27, 2015
Bosnia and Herzegovina
A 19-year-old female asked:
What do I do if i'm still constipated after taking a laxative?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Ankush Bansal answered
Internal Medicine 17 years experience
See below: First, increase your water intake (to a reasonable amount). If oral laxatives aren't working, you can get a suppository from the drug store. If that doesn't work, then try an enema (also available over the counter). If that doesn't work, then you can try magnesium citrate - be warned - you will get a stomach ache. After that, i would go to the doctor to get evaluated.
5456 viewsAnswered Nov 7, 2020
A female asked:
How effective are over-the-counter constipation medications? I have constipation and want to save money on treatment. How safe and effective are over-the-counter laxatives?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Hello. : Hello. They can be quite effective. Drink at least 8 8 ounce glasses of water and try to eat 5 servings of vegetable and four servings to fruit per day to help avoid constipation. Move about every day - walking is fine. Try to avoid junk food.
5332 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Sep 30, 2018
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