Constipation drops for adults and seniors

When problems with stool arise and a delay in bowel movements begins, you first need to find out what caused this reaction.

Often, the causes of intestinal dysfunction are inflammations or infections of this organ, and in addition - weak physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, an improper diet, and also diet. Constipation can also occur due to emotional and psychological problems - strong emotions, stress. In such cases, drops for constipation can help.

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Indications for use

Laxatives help to activate peristalsis and also speed up the process of excretion of feces from the body. All drugs in this group can be divided by origin into synthetic and herbal.

In pharmacy chains you can find different forms of the medicine - there are drops for constipation, and in addition to them, tablets, herbal infusions, tinctures, etc.

Laxatives can be divided into several separate groups according to their mechanism of action:

• Improving secretion and slowing down the process of water absorption in the colon.
• Increasing the volume of the intestine.
• Simplifying the process of movement of feces through the colon.
• Medicines that have a combined effect.

Indications for the use of laxatives:

• constipation caused by intestinal hypotension/atony (often observed in bedridden patients, during lactation, in the postpartum and postoperative periods, in the elderly);
• constipation caused by taking medications;
• constipation resulting from intestinal dysbacteriosis.

Dibrolax, Evakuol, Bisacodyl, Senadeksin, and Elimin are irritants. These laxatives irritate the receptors in the colon, activating intestinal peristalsis and thus stimulating the process of emptying. These laxatives are not addictive, but they do not have any healing properties - they are suitable for single use only.

Pharmacodynamics

The active component of Guttalax constipation drops is sodium picosulfate (this element is part of the triarylmethane group). This element is broken down while in the intestine, and then begins to have an active effect on its mucous surface, stimulating peristalsis. This allows the accumulation of water and electrolyte reserves in the colon, due to which the defecation process is stimulated, as well as softening of the fecal mass.

Pharmacokinetics

After entering the body, sodium picosulfate reaches the large intestine. The drug has poor absorption, which excludes its enterohepatic circulation. Sodium picosulfate is broken down, forming an active metabolite (bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane). The therapeutic effect of the drug begins soon after this metabolite is released, and depends on the speed of this process. This usually occurs within 6-12 hours. Only a small portion of the drug enters the circulatory system.

Names of drops for constipation

When constipation does not occur as a result of any serious illness, it can be relieved without additional treatment, using only a laxative.

Guttalax

Guttalax is considered one of the most effective drugs used in the treatment of constipation.

The main active ingredient of the drug is triarylmethane, which causes a laxative effect by acting in the colon. Guttalax is in the form of drops. After taking the drug, the effect begins after 6-12 hours.

Weakened

Among the main functions of Slabilen is the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, which are accompanied by weak peristalsis and low intestinal tone. In addition, this synthetic drug eliminates the problem of delayed defecation in inflammation of the rectum, anal fissures, hemorrhoids.

Ogarkov's drops for constipation

This remedy is made from medicinal herbs. Ogarkov drops for constipation help eliminate spasms, stabilize stool, and activate intestinal peristalsis. In addition, they prevent the development of fermentation processes, as well as putrefaction in the body, and also eliminate bad breath.

The plant elements of the preparation complement each other, thus enhancing the effect of the medicine. That is why these drops for constipation have not only a laxative effect, but also an antispasmodic and antimicrobial effect, and in addition, prevent inflammatory processes. The medicine has a positive effect on the activity and condition of the digestive system.

Active components of the drug:

• Extracts from dried rose hips, senna, and licorice;
• Nettle leaf extract;
• Aloe Vera Gel.

Additional elements: sodium benzoate, aspasvit, citric acid, and water.

Drops and other remedies for constipation in the elderly

According to statistics, it turns out that approximately 60% of elderly people suffer from constipation.

Among the most common drops for constipation in the elderly are the following medications:

• Guttalax - this drug is used most often, as it is completely safe and does not cause side effects;
• Regulax is a medicine made from natural ingredients. It effectively relieves chronic constipation;

• Forlax is a fairly effective drug, but older people are advised to consult a therapist before taking it;
• Prelax - acts gently, so it is suitable for older people. This drug normalizes bowel function and stabilizes the absorption of food, and also improves the process of its digestion.

Because most laxative medications have side effects, you should consult your doctor before using them.

The main characteristics of drops for constipation will be discussed using the drug Guttalax as an example.

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Method of administration and dosage of drops for constipation

Without a doctor's prescription, Guttalax is allowed to be taken in the following dosage: children 10+ years old, as well as adults - 10-20 drops. Children aged 4-10 years - no more than 5-10 drops. It is best to take the medicine before bedtime.

Slabilen is taken once a day before bedtime. Adults are prescribed 10-20 drops of the medicine (if constipation is persistent, you can take a single dose of 30 drops). Children aged 4+ are allowed to take 5-8 drops (if necessary, the dose can be increased to 15 drops), and the medicine can be added directly to food or drink. If the drug was not prescribed by a doctor, it is allowed to take it for a maximum of 10 days.

Adults can take Ogarkov Drops in a dosage of 30 drops three times a day during meals. Since sediment may appear in the bottle, it should be shaken before use.

Using drops for constipation during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you should not use drugs that increase intestinal motility, because this can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

Contraindications for use

Laxatives should not be taken if you have hemorrhoids, intestinal inflammation or anal fissures.

Intestinal peristalsis stimulants – salt medicines – should not be taken by small children, because the components of the drug partially penetrate into the blood, which can lead to serious systemic disorders. Children are also likely to develop dehydration.

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Side effects

Side effects of long-term use of laxatives without a doctor's prescription include intestinal atony (it stops working on its own). Drops for constipation have a negative effect on the intestinal mucosa along with its filter membranes, so they should not be taken for more than 2 weeks.

Degenerative processes can develop in the nervous tissues of the intestine.

Some laxatives can cause weakness, nausea and uncontrollable bowel movements. They also increase the risk of developing bowel cancer.

Overdose

Overdosing on laxatives can cause diarrhea, secondary hyperaldosteronism, abdominal pain, and urolithiasis. In addition, renal tubules may be damaged, and metabolic alkalosis may occur.

Overdose of Guttalax is fraught with dehydration, a drop in blood pressure, the appearance of convulsions, and an imbalance of electrolytes and water. In some cases, with an overdose, the intestinal muscles may be subject to ischemia.

Interactions with other drugs

When used together with antibiotics, the laxative effect of Guttalax is reduced. When combined with diuretics/glucocorticosteroids, this drug (in high doses) can cause electrolyte imbalance.

When treating with cardiac glycosides, Slabilen is only allowed in dosages that must be selected by a doctor. If this laxative is combined with diuretics and glucocorticosteroids, an ionic imbalance may develop.

Storage conditions

• Guttalax should not be frozen. The drug should be stored at a temperature of no more than 30ºС in a place closed to small children and exposure to sunlight.
• Slabilen can be stored at a maximum temperature of 20°C in a dry, dark place.
• Ogarkov drops are kept at a temperature of no more than 25°C. An opened bottle of medicine should be kept in the refrigerator.

Best before date

Guttalax and Slabilen drops for constipation have a 3-year shelf life.

Ogarkov drops can be used for 2 years.