BULK FORMING LAXATIVES

Bulk-forming laxatives are the most commonly recommended initial treatments for constipation.

Bulk-forming laxatives may work as quickly as 12 hours ortake as long as three days to be effective.

Some bulk-forming laxatives are derived from :

Natural sources such as :

• Agar
• Psyllium
• Kelp ( alginates )
• Plant gum

Synthetic cellulose compounds such as :

• Methylcellulose
• Carboxymethylcellulose
• Natural and synthetic bulk-forming laxatives act similarly. They dissolve or swell in the intestines, lubricate and soften the stool, and make the passage of bowel movements easier and more frequent.

Examples of bulk-forming laxatives are :

• Methylcellulose ( Citrucel )
• Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid ( Metamucil )
• Polycarbophil ( FiberCon )
• Guar gum ( Benefiber )
• Malt soupextract ( Maltsupex )

Many of these agents are available as powders and are mixed with fluids. Fruit drinks, fruit juice, and soft drinks mask the gritty taste of these laxatives better than water. Some are available as wafers, which are designed to be eaten with a separate beverage.

The benefits of bulk-forming laxatives are :

• Bulk-forming laxatives are not absorbed from the intestines into the body and are safe for long-term use. They are also safe for elderly patients with constipation.
• They are helpful in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, and colostomies.
• Some bulk-forming laxatives ( such as guar gum ) are used as fiber supplements in patients whose diets contain insufficient fiber. High fiber consumption can help control weight gain and sometimes modestly lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Precautions for using bulk-forming laxatives, including :

Each dose of a bulk-forming laxative should be taken with atleast a full glass ( 8 ounces ) of fluid to be safe and effective. There fore,bulk-forming laxatives may not be appropriate for patients who must restrictoral fluid intake ( such as patients with kidney failure ).

Patients should not use bulk-forming agents without their doctors' approval due to the risk of blockage of the intestine or the esophagus, in this cases patients with narrowing of the digestive tract, including :

• Esophageal stricture
• Intestinal stricture
• Severe adhesions
• Some patients may be allergic to the laxative or other substances contained in the product, such as coloring or artificial sweeteners.

Abdominal bloating, discomfort, and flatulence ( gas ) can be bothersome tosome patients using bulk-forming laxatives.

Some of these products contain sugar. Diabetes mellitus patients may need to select sugar-free bulk-forming laxatives. By trying different types of bulk-forming laxatives, it usually is possible to find one that does not cause discomfort.

They can decrease the absorption of certain medications, such as :

• Aspirin
• Warfarin ( Coumadin )
• Carbamazepine ( Tegretol )
• Can also reduce blood sugar levels

Posted in: constipation,health