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Purgatives, also known as laxatives, encourage bowel movements and are available over the counter or by prescription. They can treat constipation and prepare patients for medical procedures, but it’s important to follow directions carefully as they can induce diarrhea. Purgatives work in different ways and can cause multiple bowel movements, so it’s best to take them near a bathroom. Stronger versions are limited to prescription use to prevent overdosing.
A purgative is a drug that encourages bowel movements. Also known as laxatives, purgatives are available over the counter in many regions, and stronger versions can be obtained by prescription. There are a number of medical uses for these medications, ranging from treating constipation to needing to cleanse the intestines as much as possible before a medical procedure. It is important to follow the directions carefully because these drugs can induce diarrhea in patients.
Purgatives can work in several ways. Some create bulk, making it easier for stool to move through the intestines. Others moisturize stool in case dryness causes blockages. A purgative can also act as an irritant to trigger the bowel into urinating. Stronger drugs tend to be limited to prescription use so that people don’t put themselves in danger by taking too much or taking the drug when it’s not indicated.
When people have constipation, a purgative may be the first-line treatment to see if the stool can be loosened enough for the patient to defecate normally. If the patient’s constipation does not resolve, treatments such as digital extraction may be offered. People with a history of constipation can make it a point to eat purgative foods such as high-fiber foods to keep their bowels functioning smoothly, with the goal of preventing future episodes of constipation.
Patients who are preparing for medical procedures such as endoscopy in the intestines, medical imaging studies, and some types of surgery may be asked to take purgatives. The medications are designed to clean out the intestines to make these procedures easier to perform. In addition to improving hygiene, it is also easier to work with a clean bowel for many types of procedures. Purgatives offered before medical procedures can be very strong.
Everyone responds to purgatives differently. When taking a new medication for the first time, it is best to take the medication in close proximity to a bathroom and avoid planning to go outside for several hours. Sometimes people have multiple bowel movements after taking a purgative and the urge to defecate can be very strong; imperfect bowel control can occur, and people may defecate on themselves if they cannot get to a bathroom in time. It’s also important to keep purgatives out of the reach of pets and other family members to avoid accidental ingestion of strong medications and subsequent unfortunate incidents.
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