What are laxatives and what are they for?
Laxatives are understood asspecial medicinal substances that promote the acceleration of the movement of stool in the intestines, and as a result, facilitating the emptying of the intestine. Use laxatives for different purposes. So, the most common use of laxatives is as a cure for constipation. In addition to this goal, laxatives are used before surgical operation, as well as in cases of poisoning, and as a concomitant use of anti-worm agents. Qualitative laxatives, if their dosage is strictly observed, do not have any negative effect on other internal organs of a person. 
Are there any contraindications for taking laxatives?
It turns out that not all people are allowedapply laxatives. So, there are some indications for their reception. Laxatives are contraindicated in people with ulcerative duodenal or stomach ulcers. When bleeding internal organs is strictly forbidden to use funds that have a laxative effect. Before taking these drugs, it is necessary to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the instructions for use. Very often laxatives are contraindicated in pregnant women. Various inflammatory bowel diseases during exacerbation, as well as intestinal obstruction, are also a contraindication for the use of these drugs.
Laxative Group
All agents having a laxative effect,can be boldly divided into several groups. If you take into account the origin of the drug, the laxatives can be divided into organic (vegetable) and inorganic. But there is also a more complex classification, which divides the funds according to the mechanism of their action. Drugs of irritant action This group of laxative drugs has an effect on the intestinal receptors, irritating it chemically. In this case, the intestine begins to decrease more actively. In general, many laxative drugs are part of this group. It can be such means, having a vegetable origin, like senna leaves, buckthorn bark, senade and others. There are also specially developed medicines, which include dulcolax, guttalax. The safety and efficacy of these drugs has been proven in a variety of international clinical trials. Oils that have a laxative effect Such agents help soften hard stools. As a result, their glide improves noticeably. Such oils can enhance the secretion of bile, which stimulates intestinal peristalsis. Almond and castor oils are referred to as laxatives. Their effects are observed a few hours after ingestion. But these oils also have contraindications for use. With extreme caution, they should be taken to people who have cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). If the gallbladder has stones, then the intake of such oils is strictly contraindicated. Volumetric means of laxative effect. By voluminous means we mean certain fillers that are of vegetable origin, which are not absorbed and are not digested by the intestine or are digested by it with difficulty. Such agents are substances having a vegetable origin (wheat bran, flax seeds), or polysaccharides modified in a synthetic manner. These agents swell as a result of absorbing the liquid into themselves, and then stretch the walls of the intestine. The result of these processes is the greatest activity of contractions of the intestine and acceleration of its emptying. In order for the treatment to be effective, it is necessary to consume up to 2 liters of plain water. Do not forget about the possible consequences and side effects, which can be accompanied by a strong flatulence with rumbling and bloating. Prebiotics, or non-digestible carbohydrates This group of laxative drugs stimulate significant growth and vital activity of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine. Such agents combine the action of osmotic drugs and irritants. As a result, musculature of the intestine is stimulated, and water and other substances are attracted to its lumen. As a result, the bowel function is effectively restored. Lactulose is the representative of this group. Despite the fact that the side effect of taking prebiotics may be flatulence, they can still be taken with both chronic and acute constipation. As a rule, laxatives are dispensed in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. But do not abuse these drugs, because their reception can adversely affect your health. Before taking medication, carefully read the instructions. It is recommended nevertheless to use these funds under the supervision and supervision of a specialist. 
How can I change the situation without laxatives?
Sometimes there is no need to resort to specialmeans, facilitating the rapid evacuation of the intestine. This result can be achieved in a natural way, which is much more useful. So, how can you help the intestines on your own? The most effective means is the intake of water on an empty stomach. The water should be at room temperature, it is necessary to drink 1-2 glasses of pure, preferably mineral water without gases every morning. Thus, you will help start the process of digestion and clean the stomach. Water should be drunk 35-40 minutes before the first meal. Honey and coffee also have a relaxing effect. And in combination with a massage of the stomach these products will help get rid of problems with the intestines. Active lifestyle and healthy diet, including cabbage, beets, prunes, apricots, any raw fruits and vegetables help to improve intestinal motility and avoid constipation. Before proceeding with the treatment of constipation, it is necessary to clearly define the reason why constipation has arisen, and only then proceed to treatment. Before going to bed it is very useful to drink fresh kefir. One glass is enough to make the intestine function properly. When choosing a remedy for constipation, consider all possible side effects, and only then be determined with a choice.
What should I consider when choosing a remedy for constipation?
Buying candles in the pharmacy from constipation or a pill,be sure to find out which group the medicine belongs to, carefully read its instructions. It is not recommended for a long time to use funds from constipation of irritating action. It is very important to choose a safe and tested laxative. This should be taken into account especially for those who suffer from chronic constipation. In this case, it will be more optimal to choose prebiotics, which stimulate the activity and work of the intestine and restore its microflora. With the help of such a means, you can achieve a long-term therapeutic effect and a sustainable result. The most rapid effect can be achieved with the help of an enema, especially oily microclysters. Choosing a cure for constipation, you need to know which group of drugs you need and show, and which ones you should avoid. 
More on irritating tablets
As already mentioned, tablets from constipationIrritant actions are considered the fastest and most effective of all laxatives. The choice of such tablets in modern pharmacies is very large. They are prescribed for sluggish peristalsis or atony of the intestine. Drugs of irritant action can be presented both in the form of candles, syrups, drops, and in the form of tablets. These drugs from constipation act quickly enough. So, when you are taking an evening medication, you should expect a morning stool. What is the effect of such drugs? The laxative effect of drugs of irritant action is due to chemical irritant effects on the receptors of the large intestine, as a result of which the peristalsis of the intestine is markedly stimulated. As a rule, after taking such a remedy, the effect comes in 5-10 hours. These medicines also have side effects. They can not be used systematically, this can lead to the fact that the receptors of the colon will become depleted, which will lead to a noticeable decrease in its tone. With the use of irritants for more than 10 days, the risk of intestinal atony may increase. As a result, the nerve tissue of the intestine will begin to degenerate, the electrolyte balance of the blood will be disturbed. The drug of this group is very quickly developing addiction. A few days after taking the initial dose does not lead to any effect, it has to be increased, which is extremely undesirable. One of the main side effects of such drugs should be considered pain inside the intestines, which leads many patients to abandon these funds. Indications and contraindications Preparations against constipation of irritant effects are indicated for occasional, acute constipation, but not for a chronic stage. Contraindications include their long-term use, the period of pregnancy and lactation. To give such medications to small (thoracic) children is forbidden. It is forbidden to use them for abdominal pains, the cause of which is not clear, with acute hemorrhoids, acute proctitis, acute inflammatory diseases of the abdominal cavity, uterine, intestinal and gastric bleeding, intestinal obstruction, cystitis, peritonitis and other diseases. More details can be found in the instructions for using a particular tool. So, what are the laxatives in pharmacies? One such means is Bisacodyl. This drug is able to prepare the intestine for endoscopic examination. It is indicated for constipation after operations, during dietary nutrition. Side effects of Bisacodyl include pain and bloating, intestinal colic, nausea, an unpleasant sensation of bowel severity. Long-term use of Bisacodyl can lead to intestinal atony, dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Take it should be before bedtime in a dosage of 1 tablet. If the effect of taking 1 tablet is not available, you can increase the dose to 3 tablets. Group A and B senozoids The following medicines should be included in this group: Herbion Laxana, Senadé, Regulax, Senadexin, Senalex, Tisasen, Senna holis, and others. The composition of all these drugs includes the amount of anthraglikozoid, which is contained in the leaves of narrow-leaved and holly Senna. Laxatives based on senna lead to an early evacuation of the intestine and do not cause addiction. The action begins after 6-12 hours after administration. Indications are spastic and atonic constipation of any origin, regulation of stool during hemorrhoids, constipation resulting from flaccid peristalsis of the colon and others. Contraindications are exactly the same as in Bisacodyl. Suppositories Glytelax. This drug is indicated for constipation in order to soften solid feces. The result of the action of the candles is to facilitate the passage of stool masses through the intestine. Glitselaks has an irritant effect on the intestinal mucosa, causes reflex stimulation. Assign Glytelax, as a rule, people who have recently had a heart attack, with cracks in the anus, with hemorrhoids, with constipation during pregnancy and during lactation. To contra-indications of suppositories it is necessary to carry a hypersensitivity, a tumor of a rectum, an exacerbation of a hemorrhoids, a proctitis. It is necessary to apply with special care to suppositories in case of renal insufficiency. Side effects of Glytelax can be itching, allergic reactions, burning of the skin. If glycylaxis is used for a long time, the physiological process of defecation may be weakened. 
More information about prebiotics - laxative delayed action
As already mentioned, prebiotics are considered,perhaps, the safest means of constipation. Knowingly their use is not forbidden during pregnancy and during lactation. These are some food ingredients and carbohydrates, not able to digest in the upper sections of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, they calmly reach the colon itself, where they stimulate the growth of useful microflora. This group includes such agents as inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides, lactulose. Of course, they can not be called strong means in the fight against constipation, but they act slowly and safely. They are able to give the most persistent and lasting therapeutic effect, rather than irritating and saline means for constipation. What is the mechanism of action of prebiotics? Prebiotics, stimulating the growth of useful microflora in the intestine, are able to restore its function and have a stimulating effect on its musculature. The most effective and rather popular prebiotic is Lactulose. The effect can occur as early as 2 hours after taking the medication. Lactulose practically does not have any side effects, except flatulence, which, as a rule, goes through 3 days after the beginning of taking the medicine. Due to Lactulose, the rapid effect will not be achieved, but nevertheless, the result will become noticeable on day 2-3 after administration. Very often prebiotics are prescribed in the treatment of dysbiosis, which is characterized by a delay in stools or constipation. Prebiotics can remove toxic substances containing nitrogen from the body. They improve the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, prevent the reproduction of the opportunistic pathogens in the intestine. Lactitol from constipation This product is presented in the form of a powder. It is often used as a substitute for sugar in products for people with diabetes. It is a prebiotic for the prevention and treatment of constipation. It is able to soften fecal masses, to facilitate the process of defecation. The effect becomes noticeable within 24 hours after administration. Side effects are rare, there may be abdominal discomfort and flatulence. Take Lactitol 1 times a day with meals along with drinks. After the effect of the reception becomes noticeable, the dose should be reduced.
More on laxative osmotic action
Immediately it is worth mentioning that osmotic agents fromconstipation is not recommended for chronic constipation. Do not develop the laziness syndrome, are allowed for prolonged use. It is important to know that they do not eliminate the very cause of constipation, but only have a symptomatic effect. Do not cause addiction and do not weaken the intestinal muscle tone. This group should include such agents as magnesium hydroxide, citrate, magnesium and sodium sulfate, polyethylene glycol, and Carlsbad salt. The mechanism of action of osmotic drugs is to retain water in the lumen of the intestine, to increase and soften the stool masses. They increase the osmotic pressure, drawing water from the blood plasma and fatty tissues. Thus, a laxative effect occurs. It is forbidden to use osmotic drugs for more than 3 months. This is because they can lead to the loss of electrolytes, potassium, sodium salts, which will lead to a violation of the water-salt balance and cause dehydration of the body. When emptying the intestine, abdominal pain may occur. As such, there are no contraindications, except for drug and food poisoning, acute constipation. Polyethylene glycol is allowed to be used by pregnant women and during lactation. Macrogol. It is considered quite effective in the fight against constipation. Promotes normalization of intestinal processes. During the reception of Macrogol, flatulence is not observed, it does not enhance the process of fermentation in the intestine, does not cause a burning sensation in the anus. The advantage of Macrogol is that it is able to prevent the loss of electrolytes with feces, does not disrupt the metabolic processes of lipids. Laxative Micro Lax. It is a solution that should be administered rectally. This drug has both an irritant effect and softens the stool masses. It is indicated for constipation and preparation for the study of the gastrointestinal tract. There are so-called intestinal fillers. They can be both vegetable and synthetic origin. Very often patients refuse to use them, referring to the fact that they do not help to eliminate the problem of constipation. In addition, the effect of intestinal fillers is achieved after a fairly long time. As a result of stretching the walls of the intestine, flatulence, bloating and rumbling can occur. There is a huge number of drugs that can relieve constipation. In choosing a laxative, consult a doctor who will choose the most suitable.
