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Hyperosmotic Laxative Precautions, Contraindications and Drug Interactions
These
are general precautions about hyperosmotic laxatives.
Please note: Follow your doctor's instructions
if a laxative has been prescribed for you. If you have a concern about
taking the laxative that has been ordered for you, talk with your
doctor. If you are presently taking a laxative under orders from your
doctor, talk with your doctor before discontinuing or reducing use
of the laxative.
Precautions
- Consult
with your doctor before using a hyperosmotic laxative.
- If you
notice a sudden change in bowel habits or function that lasts longer
than 2 weeks, or keeps returning off and on, check with your doctor
before using a hyperosmotic laxative.
- Use only
as directed. Do not administer more often than your doctor prescribed
- even if you do not have results. Instead, contact your doctor.
- Daily
use of hyperosmotic laxatives is strongly discouraged.
- Hyperosmotic
laxatives are not to be taken for a period of time longer than one week
unless directed by a doctor.
- Do not
use a hyperosmotic laxative if you have an allergy or sensitivity to
its ingredients.
- Rectal
bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a hyperosmotic
laxative may indicate a serious condition. Discontinue use and consult
a physician.
- Prolonged
use can lead to tolerance. With continued use, the dose must be increased
to induce the laxative effect.
- Prolonged
use can lead to dependence. With dependence, laxatives are required
in order to move the bowel.
- Long-term
use of hyperosmotics can cause loss of electrolytes, in particular potassium.
- Discontinue
use in the event of diarrhea or watery stools unless directed by a doctor.
- If large
volumes of water are lost with the stool after taking a hyperosmotic
laxative, drink at least six eight-ounce glasses of water per day to
protect against dehydration.
Contraindications
- Do
not use hyperosmotic laxatives if you have missed a bowel movement
for only 1 or 2 days unless directed by a doctor.
- Do not
use hyperosmotic laxatives when nausea, fever or vomiting is present
unless directed by a doctor.
- Do not
use hyperosmotic laxatives if you have signs or symptoms of appendicitis
or inflamed bowel (such as stomach or lower abdominal pain, cramping,
bloating, soreness, nausea, or vomiting), renal function impairment,
colostomy or ileostomy (increased risk of electrolyte or fluid imbalance),
or when abdominal pain of unknown origin is present unless directed
by a doctor.
- Do not
take a hyperosmotic laxative when diseases that can cause diarrhea
are present, unless directed by a doctor.
- Do not
use a hyperosmotic if dehydrated, suffering from diarrhea or loose
stools, unless directed by a doctor.
- Individuals
with congestive heart failure, hypertension, dehydration, or renal
function impairment should not use hyperosmotic laxatives containing
sodium, unless directed by a doctor. Saline laxatives may promote
sodium retention resulting in edema, especially during pregnancy.
Drug
Interactions
- Specific
Laxative and Prescription Drug Interactions.
- If
taking a prescription drug, consult with your doctor before taking
a hyperosmotic laxative.
- Magnesium
containing hyperosmotics can interfere with anticoagulants, ciprofloxacin,
digitalis glycosides, etidronate, and sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
- Unless
directed by a doctor, other medications should not be taken at
the same time because they may be swept down the intestine before
they are dissolved and absorbed.
- Concomitant
use of some drugs with hyperosmotic laxatives can increase the
risk of fluid and potassium depletion leading to electrolyte imbalance.
- The
effectiveness of other medications may be inhibited due to drug
interaction with the hyperosmotic laxative.
- The
effectiveness or the toxicity of other drugs may be intensified
when hyperosmotic laxatives are overused
Data
Gathering, Research & Reporting
by Carole Engel, Director Of Outreach
© 2004 Fruit-Eze™, Inc.
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