Lubricants-Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, taken by mouth encourage bowel movements by coating the bowel and the stool mass with a waterproof film. It is used for short periods of time to treat constipation. The polymer type is a polyglycol (polyethylene glycol), a large molecule that causes water to be retained in the stool this will soften the stool and increase the number of bowel movements. It is available only with your doctor's prescription. Lactulose may sometimes be used in the treatment of certain medical conditions to reduce the amount of ammonia in the blood. However, it produces results much more slowly and is often used for long-term treatment of chronic constipation. The lactulose type is a special sugar-like laxative that works the same way as the saline type. Sodium phosphate may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your doctor. The information that follows applies only to their use as laxatives. With smaller doses than those used for the laxative effect, some saline laxatives are used as antacids. They are not used for long-term or repeated correction of constipation. The saline type is often called "salts." They are used for rapid emptying of the lower intestine and bowel. There are three types of hyperosmotic laxatives taken by mouth-the saline, the lactulose, and the polymer types:
This provides a soft stool mass and increased bowel action. Hyperosmotics-Hyperosmotic laxatives encourage bowel movements by drawing water into the bowel from surrounding body tissues. Some bulk-forming laxatives, like psyllium and polycarbophil, may be prescribed by your doctor to treat diarrhea.
The bowel is then stimulated normally by the presence of the bulky mass. The different types of oral laxatives include:īulk-formers-Bulk-forming laxatives are not digested but absorb liquid in the intestines and swell to form a soft, bulky stool.
Since directions for use are different for each type, it is important to know which one you are taking. Pair it with plenty of water and take it at least 2 hours before or after any other medications.There are several different types of oral laxatives and they work in different ways. For example, you could take it right after brushing your teeth in the morning or with breakfast.īecause Citrucel can interfere with the absorption of other drugs, take it at least 2 hours before or after other medications.įurther, if you’re taking other medications or have any underlying health conditions, it’s best to talk with your doctor before using Citrucel. It can be a good idea to take Citrucel at the same time each day to make it easier to remember. Regardless of your dosage and preferred form, be sure to drink plenty of water when using Citrucel to prevent adverse digestive side effects and to reduce choking risk. If you need more, you can work your way up to 2 caplets 6 times per day, a total of 12 caplets daily. If using caplets, you can start with 2 per day. If this isn’t enough, you can increase the amount slowly as needed, taking up to 3 tablespoons (33 grams) daily ( 2). The manufacturer recommends that adults and children over age 12 start with 1 tablespoon (11 grams) of powder per day. It contains soluble fiber, which has been shown to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, increase feelings of fullness, and help protect against certain types of cancer. summaryĬitrucel can reduce symptoms of constipation. In addition to promoting regularity, increasing your intake of soluble fiber may offer several other health benefits.įor example, studies show that soluble fiber can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, increase feelings of fullness to support weight loss, and help protect against certain types of cancer ( 8). Multiple studies in the 1980s found that it can treat constipation and improve the frequency, consistency, and ease of stool passage ( 6, 7).Īccording to the manufacturer, Citrucel may take 12–72 hours to produce a bowel movement ( 2).Īs mentioned, the type of fiber found in Citrucel is classified as soluble fiber. This helps it move through your digestive tract more easily ( 1).
Citrucel contains methylcellulose, a type of fiber that adds bulk to your stool.
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