Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Safe Oral Laxative While Suffering From Constipation
Question: My wife has serious constipation. She had a Glucograffin enema a week ago, which seemed to clean her out, but seems to be constipated again. A nurse recommended Fleet Phospho Soda, but she takes Spironolactone and Lisinopril (very labil blood pressure). What is a safe but effective oral laxative?
Brief Answer:
can try dulcolax suppository or ex lax or mineral oil
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
CAN TRY ex lax or dulcolax supp or mineral oil.
Fleet phospho soda is normally used as bowel prep for persons undergoing colonoscopy or barium enema.
It is not known to interact with sprinolactone and lisinopril. These 2 can interact with each other to cause increased potassium.
There is a risk of dehydration and it is not advised in persons with fecal impaction, decreased movement of the gut or if there is any abnormal electrolytes.
These are only some of the conditions in which it cannot be used.
Since she has a history of constipation then she may have decreased gut movements or fecal impaction so it may be best not to use it.
The problem is that with continued repeated use of laxatives the bowel losing the ability to work on its own. Overuse of laxatives is one of the reasons for constipation.
She may want to try the dulcolax again or use another agent such as ex lax.
After these laxatives, she would need to try the following to prevent more laxative use: (1)increase fluid intake (unless has heart failure or kidney failure)
This does not include caffeine products or alcohol because these cause the body to lose fluids.
(2)need to use a lot of fiber. It can be difficult to get enough in the diet so may need a fiber supplement such as metamucil, cetrucil, benefiber
Increasing fiber is very important
(3)as active as possible
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
can try dulcolax suppository or ex lax or mineral oil
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
CAN TRY ex lax or dulcolax supp or mineral oil.
Fleet phospho soda is normally used as bowel prep for persons undergoing colonoscopy or barium enema.
It is not known to interact with sprinolactone and lisinopril. These 2 can interact with each other to cause increased potassium.
There is a risk of dehydration and it is not advised in persons with fecal impaction, decreased movement of the gut or if there is any abnormal electrolytes.
These are only some of the conditions in which it cannot be used.
Since she has a history of constipation then she may have decreased gut movements or fecal impaction so it may be best not to use it.
The problem is that with continued repeated use of laxatives the bowel losing the ability to work on its own. Overuse of laxatives is one of the reasons for constipation.
She may want to try the dulcolax again or use another agent such as ex lax.
After these laxatives, she would need to try the following to prevent more laxative use: (1)increase fluid intake (unless has heart failure or kidney failure)
This does not include caffeine products or alcohol because these cause the body to lose fluids.
(2)need to use a lot of fiber. It can be difficult to get enough in the diet so may need a fiber supplement such as metamucil, cetrucil, benefiber
Increasing fiber is very important
(3)as active as possible
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
