Groups of drugs to treat constipation and side effects to note

1. General information about constipation

Constipation is a digestive disorder, with irregular bowel movements, only once every few days, and each time it takes a long time. The stool is quite dry, hard, and painful in the anus. Acute constipation can cause intestinal obstruction, and in many cases, surgery is required.

Constipation can be caused by many different reasons.

Causes of constipation are divided into two groups: primary constipation and secondary constipation, specifically:

• People with normal peristalsis: Constipation occurs due to a disorder in the stool excretion mechanism.
• People with slow motility: Poor intestinal function will cause constipation.
• Due to pelvic floor dysfunction.

• Due to a diet low in fiber, too much animal fat, lack of exercise,...
• Due to physical illnesses such as neurological diseases, psychological problems, endocrine disorders,...
• Women during pregnancy.
• Due to certain medications.

2. How to improve constipation without medication

Constipation is not a disease, so in mild cases, you can overcome the problem without using constipation medication as follows:

• Massage: People with constipation should massage the perineum and abdominal areas regularly. Specifically, use your hands to massage the area around the navel, gently and clockwise. This movement will stimulate and help the digestive system work better.
• Use safe and benign folk herbs: You can use some natural herbs to help improve constipation such as: Honey lemon juice, fresh plum juice, Cassia alata,... which are quite good laxatives.

Some natural herbs that can help improve constipation

• Add more fresh fruits and vegetables: Fruits, vegetables, cereals, etc. contain a lot of fiber which helps to overcome constipation quite well. Some fruits and vegetables mentioned are Malabar spinach, okra, kiwi, apples, spinach, etc. In addition, you can also use cereals or oats to treat your constipation.
• Regular exercise also helps the digestive system function better.

3. Commonly used groups of laxatives

After applying the above measures, if the constipation does not improve, you should consider seeing a doctor for a prescription for treatment. Currently, some groups of drugs used to treat constipation are:

3.1. Bulk-forming laxatives

This type of medicine is used in most cases of constipation today. The medicine is quite benign, has a high level of safety, and has the effect of increasing the water content, size and mass of the stool. Bulk-forming laxatives also have the effect of stimulating intestinal motility, helping to push the stool out more easily.

Laxatives are commonly used for constipation.

3.2. Stimulant laxatives

This group of drugs works by stimulating the muscles inside the colon and increasing the force of contraction. The drug is often prescribed for cases of weak colon muscles and slow stool movement. Some familiar drugs are sodium picosulfate, diphenylmethane derivatives,...

3.3. Osmotic laxatives

The main mechanism of action of the drug is to draw water from the surrounding intestinal tissue to soften the stool and support the lubrication of the colon. However, when using osmotic laxatives to treat constipation , you need to supplement your body with plenty of water.

3.4. Stool softeners

This medication will increase the amount of water in the stool. At the same time, the stool will also be coated with a thin layer of oil on the outside to help them move through the intestines and be pushed out more easily. Currently, Docusate is the most used constipation treatment drug in this group.

Laxatives work by softening stools, making them easier to pass.

4. Side effects when using constipation medication

When using constipation medication, you may experience some side effects depending on the type of medication as follows:

• Bulk-forming laxatives: These medications can cause side effects such as bloating, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. When taking them, you should increase your water intake to avoid reverse constipation and avoid taking them before bedtime.
• Stimulant laxatives: Can cause spasms in other parts of the digestive tract, causing stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Because they are stimulants, they cause the colon to contract more strongly, which can cause diarrhea, cramps, and possibly stomach pain.
• Osmotic laxatives: You may experience bloating and discomfort after taking them. They can increase the amount of water in your stool by absorbing water from your colon. Therefore, you should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Stool softeners: When using this medication, you may experience gas and bloating. You need to drink more water to get the full effect of the medication. Because if you drink less water, the stool will form into a thick mass, which can cause blockage or choking.

5. Measures to prevent constipation

Usually, cases of constipation are caused by unscientific diet, lack of exercise, excessive stress,... Therefore, to prevent constipation, you should apply the following methods:

Add more fiber from green vegetables to prevent constipation

• Drink enough 2 liters of water every day.
• Add more fiber to your daily meals with foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• You should not eat unhealthy foods, foods rich in animal fat, fast food, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks,...
• You should exercise at least 3 hours a week to have a healthier body.
• Reduce stress.
• Do not form the habit of sitting on the toilet for too long and do not strain when defecating.
• Develop a habit of going to the toilet at a fixed time.
• For children who are drinking formula milk and are constipated, parents can consider switching to another type to improve the condition.
• Everyone should proactively have regular health check-ups to be able to completely treat diseases that can cause constipation.

In general, constipation is a common condition, not too dangerous. However, if constipation persists, it can affect your health to some extent. Therefore, after applying some ineffective treatment methods, you should go to a medical facility to be examined by a doctor and advised on the appropriate constipation medication . A medical facility you can choose is the Gastroenterology Department of the MEDLATEC Healthcare System . You can contact MEDLATEC's hotline 1900 56 56 56 to make an appointment and receive more detailed support.