Stimulant Laxative Precautions, Contraindications and Drug Interactions

These are general precautions about stimulant 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 stimulant laxative.
• Pregnant or nursing women should consult their doctor before using a stimulant 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 stimulant laxative.
• Use stimulant laxatives only as directed. Do not administer stimulant laxatives more often than your doctor prescribed - even if you do not have results. Instead, contact your doctor.
• Daily use of stimulant laxatives is strongly discouraged.
• Stimulant laxatives are not to be taken for a period of time longer than 1week unless directed by a doctor.
• Do not use a stimulant laxative if you have an allergy or sensitivity to its ingredients.
• All stimulant laxatives may cause abdominal discomfort, faintness and cramps.
• Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a serious condition. Discontinue use and consult a physician.
• Prolonged use of stimulant laxatives can lead to tolerance. With continued use, the dose must be increased to induce the laxative effect.
• Prolonged use of stimulant laxatives can lead to dependence. With dependence, the laxative is required in order to move the bowel.
• Long-term use can cause loss of electrolytes, in particular potassium.
• Discontinue use in the event of diarrhea or watery stools, unless directed by a doctor. For constipation, the correct dose is the smallest amount needed to achieve softened stool.
• If large volumes of water are lost with the stool after taking a laxative, drink at least six eight ounce glasses of water per day to protect against dehydration.
• Weakness, incoordination, and orthostatic hypotension may be exacerbated in elderly patients as a result of significant electrolyte loss when stimulant laxatives are used repeatedly to evacuate the colon.

• Specific Laxative and Prescription Drug Interactions.
• If taking a prescription drug, consult with your doctor before taking a stimulant laxative.
• 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 stimulant 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 stimulant laxatives.
• The effectiveness or the toxicity of other drugs may be intensified when stimulant laxatives are overused.