When choosing a laxative, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of its effect on the intestines, the duration of the effect on the body, as well as the duration and time of the onset of the laxative effect after taking it. It is worth noting that there are separate groups of laxatives for different age groups of the population (children, adults, and also the elderly). How to take such medicines, where can you buy them, how much do they cost? The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/", based on the reviews, as well as the recommendations of most buyers, prepared for you an overview of the best laxatives as of 2020.
Content
Laxative selection criteria
By the definition of constipation is meant a certain state of the body, during which the emptying of the intestines is very difficult. Simply put, this condition is delayed, difficult, or insufficient defecation. Constipation is a fairly common occurrence and, as a rule, occurs as a result of malnutrition, the appearance of all kinds of disorders or inflammation in the intestinal region. A variety of laxatives are used to eliminate them.
In the modern world, in almost every pharmacy you can find a large assortment of various medications and laxatives that are used to eliminate constipation and are dispensed without a prescription. However, even with such a wide range of laxatives, it can sometimes be difficult to find the most suitable remedy for constipation.
Reference! The main distinguishing feature that is observed in laxatives is expressed in a one-time symptomatic elimination of the problem. Simply put, most laxatives successfully eliminate the symptoms of constipation, but do not stop the cause of their appearance in a person.
As a result of prolonged use of medication, with a sedentary lifestyle, or due to frequent consumption of junk food, a person may experience a variety of problems in the functioning of the digestive system. Constipation is one of the main symptoms that signals that a malfunction has occurred in the body.
To eliminate constipation, special laxatives have been developed. However, it should be noted right away that they only eliminate the very symptoms of constipation, but do not have an effect and do not fight the causes of its appearance in humans. Modern pharmacies offer a wide range of all kinds of constipation remedies.
They can be used for constipation in both children and adults. In addition, laxatives are often used to stimulate bowel movements before a variety of surgeries. What are the laxatives, what are the criteria for their choice, which medicine is better to buy and what to look for when choosing? When purchasing such drugs, it is recommended to pay attention to the following criteria:
- Drug type. Osmotic laxatives relieve constipation due to the fact that they stimulate the accumulation of a large amount of moisture in the intestinal area.Thanks to this, the mass accumulated in the intestine is softened and its further unhindered exit. Irritant drugs, after taking them, begin to actively stimulate peristalsis and affect the work of the intestinal mucosa. The so-called prebiotics have the mildest and most gentle effect on the intestines. They not only contribute to a quick and unimpeded bowel movement, but also affect the optimization of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Composition. It is preferable to choose drugs that consist of harmless components. For example, it is best to use laxatives that contain glycerin, sodium salts. The safest effect on the body is possessed by plant-based laxatives. It is worth noting that the presence of all kinds of side effects, as well as contraindications to its use, depends on their composition.
- Action speed. Different types of laxatives are recommended for different situations. For example, if a person is at home and has a lot of free time, then he can use osmotic type agents to relieve constipation. However, for emergency treatment, such as when the person is traveling or on vacation, it is best to use an irritant type.
Rating of the best manufacturers
Which company is the best medicine to buy, what mistakes to avoid when choosing? Before purchasing a laxative, it is recommended that you pay attention directly to the manufacturer of this medication. After all, it is from the pharmaceutical companies that produce such drugs that the criteria for their effectiveness, as well as safety for humans, depend. Some of the best manufacturers of laxatives are:
- Hemofarm. It is an international pharmaceutical company that was founded in 1960. This manufacturer is represented by nine modern factories located in Serbia, Russia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Ipsen Pharma. A popular French manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. The company was founded back in 1929. Today the production facilities of this company are located in France, Great Britain, and the USA.
- Abbott Laboratories. A popular American chemical and pharmaceutical company that was founded in 1888. It is engaged in the production of pharmaceuticals, diagnostic products, baby food, food mixtures, as well as stents, artificial heart valves.
- Losan Pharma. A popular company that produces drugs for the treatment of diseases and disorders of the digestive system. Also lets in herbal laxatives.
- Moscow pharmaceutical factory. It is a modern enterprise that is included in the list of the best domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers. It is engaged in the production of medicines, dietary supplements, various cosmetic and medical products.
Best laxatives for 2020
Today, the pharmaceutical market is represented by a variety of laxatives (in the form of a lozenge, tablets, drops, suppositories, herbal picks, filter bags), which are actively used to eliminate constipation, to quickly remove accumulated toxins from the body. Also, these drugs are used when there is a need to cleanse the intestines before surgery. However, how do you choose the right laxative that is effective and gentle on the intestines? After all, each medicine has both its own specific advantages and some disadvantages and even contraindications for use.
Ranking of the best irritant laxatives
Irritants are laxatives that act quickly on the body. By the nature of their origin, they are synthetic (the composition includes bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate) or vegetable (made from castor oil, the fruit of the joster, and so on).
Such medicines are available in the form of suppositories, tablets. There are also drugs that are produced in the form of special drops. After taking laxatives, irritation of a group of receptors occurs, which are located in the area of the large intestine. As a result, intestinal peristalsis increases.
Benefits:
- Using irritating drugs is the best choice for relieving constipation in the elderly. This is due to the fact that in old age a person has sluggish peristalsis and intestinal atony.
- The time of their exposure. The therapeutic effect is observed after taking the drug after 6 hours.
Disadvantages:
- A wide variety of contraindications. Therefore, they may not be suitable for every person to eliminate constipation.
- Lots of side effects or even dehydration of the whole body.
- With long-term use of these laxatives, a person may become addicted to them. Therefore, drugs from this group are best used for occasional doses.
Bisacodyl
Inexpensive, budget effective laxative drug, according to the majority of buyers, which has a pronounced fast and strong effect. Available in the form of tablets and suppositories. It is used when it becomes necessary to prepare the intestines for a procedure called endoscopy. It is also actively used to eliminate constipation, after operations, which may appear as a result of the patient's strict diet.
After using this medication in pill form, the patient may experience intestinal colic, atony, and bloating. Rarely, against the background of the use of this medicine, a person has bleeding along with a stool. It should be noted that this drug can cause dysbiosis, intestinal atony, and electrolyte imbalance in humans. However, such side effects, as a rule, appear as a result of frequent, in violation of instructions, uncontrolled use of the drug.
The use of Bisacodyl is contraindicated if the patient has acute disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. Also, it should not be used to eliminate constipation that a person has as a result of intestinal polyposis. It is not recommended to use if a person has acute forms of hemorrhoids, cystitis or proctitis.
Advantages:
- Affordable (average cost is 23 rubles);
- Fast effect on the body (6 hours after ingestion);
- The medicine in the form of suppositories can be used to treat children aged 2 years and older;
- Can be used in small doses during pregnancy.
Disadvantages:
- After using the tablets, a person may experience pain in the abdomen, nausea and even, in rare cases, dizziness;
- May cause diarrhea and dehydration.
Senadexin
Has a fast-acting effect on the body. It is produced on the basis of the so-called anthraglycosides. It is used to relieve constipation in patients who suffer from hemorrhoids. It is actively used to normalize stool with proctitis. Quite often, this medicine is used to treat diseases in patients who have sluggish bowel movements.
The effect of this agent on the body is observed within 7 hours after taking it. However, it should be noted that some people, after using this medication, may experience side effects in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. In rare cases, after using Senadexin, a person experiences a variety of allergic reactions, which manifest themselves in the form of urticaria and itching.
Advantages:
- Fast, gentle effect on the body;
- Low cost;
- Herbal origin of the drug.
Disadvantages:
- May be addictive, therefore only suitable for occasional use
- In case of overdose, causes severe diarrhea.
Castor oil
This oil is made from the seeds of a plant called castor oil plant. This drug has a pronounced, rapid laxative effect on the body, which occurs as a result of irritation of the receptors in the intestine. It should be noted that this tool is prohibited from using in case of individual intolerance. Also, it is not used to treat patients who have acute inflammatory diseases of organs located in the abdominal region and the gastrointestinal tract. It is forbidden to use castor oil during pregnancy.
Advantages:
- High-speed performance;
- When used correctly and the optimum dosage is observed, it does not provoke abdominal pain;
- Eliminates toxins from the body;
- Can be used both to cleanse the intestines and during a weight loss program (promotes rapid weight loss);
- Low cost.
Disadvantages:
- In case of overdose, it can provoke dizziness, severe diarrhea and even loss of consciousness;
- Cannot be used for a long time (may cause intestinal atony);
- Bad taste, provoking vomiting and nausea in a person.
Rating of the best osmotic agents
Osmotic-type laxatives that are used to cleanse the intestines. They are made on the basis of such substances as magnesium hydroxide, sodium and magnesium sulfate, macrogol, citrate. When using these drugs, water begins to linger in the intestines, due to which the feces are significantly softened and increased in volume. This provokes an increase in osmotic pressure, and as a result, a laxative effect occurs.
Advantages:
- They are safe drugs that practically do not cause addiction in patients after their use;
- They are able not only to eliminate constipation, but also to remove toxins that accumulate in the body as a result of food or drug poisoning.
Disadvantages:
- Can cause severe dehydration;
- Not used to eliminate chronic constipation. Can be used for a one-time, short-term cleaning of the intestinal tract, in the event of acute constipation.
Fortrans
It is one of the best laxatives that has a pronounced osmotic effect on the body. It is produced in the form of a powder, which is used to prepare small portions of a solution. In the case of the first application, the effect begins to manifest itself 1-2 hours after administration. The duration of action of this drug lasts about 5 hours. In case of repeated administration, it begins to actively act on the body already 1/2 hour after administration.
It is not recommended to use in the presence of malignant tumors in the intestinal area, or in severe chronic diseases that the patient suffers from. Not recommended for use in children under 15 years of age.
Advantages:
- Effectively, and most importantly - quickly cleanses the intestines;
- When used, it does not violate the water - electrolyte balance in the body;
- Immediate impact after ingestion (1-1.5 hours);
- Does not provoke the occurrence of spasms, exacerbations of hemorrhoids.
Disadvantages:
- In some cases, it can provoke the appearance of vomiting, flatulence, nausea;
- Cannot be used to treat elderly people diagnosed with cardiovascular disease;
- High price;
- The medicine has an unpleasant taste, which provokes the appearance of vomiting during administration.
Microlax
High-quality, effective laxative, which is made on the basis of substances such as sodium citrate, sorbitol.The release of this medication is carried out in the form of a solution intended for rectal use (in the form of microclysters). When using Microlax, it begins to gradually increase and liquefy the feces that are in the intestines. The action time is no more than 15 minutes after use. It is used to relieve constipation, including in patients who suffer from hemorrhoids.
Advantages:
- Effective for constipation;
- Fast effect on the body;
- There are no side reactions.
Disadvantages:
- In some cases, it can cause an unpleasant burning sensation in the rectal area;
- May cause, in very rare cases, rectal bleeding;
- Great value.
Normase
It is the best mild laxative produced on the basis of lactulose. It is used to eliminate constipation, both in children and adults, the elderly. Can be used to treat newborns and women who are pregnant. After using Normase, it normalizes the state of the intestinal microflora. It is often used during the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.
Advantages:
- Has a mild effect on the body;
- Can be used for baby;
- Can be used to treat pregnant women;
- Stabilizes bowel function;
- A wide range of applications (can be used to treat both children and adults);
- Has a pleasant taste;
- Does not cause addiction in patients after prolonged use.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for quickly relieving constipation;
- May cause flatulence;
- In some cases, when treating patients, it was ineffective;
- The high cost of rubles for 1 bottle (for an adult, it will last for 1 week for treatment).
Comparative characteristics of the rating of quality laxatives
| Name | Type (description) | Speed (characteristic) | Cost, rub.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bisacodyl | Irritant effects | 6 hours after ingestion | 23 |
| Senadexin | Irritant effects | 7 hours after ingestion | 21 |
| Castor oil | Irritant effects | Indicated as a fast-acting agent (exact data regarding the time of exposure to the body after ingestion is not specified) | 65 |
| Fortrans | Osmotic agent | 1-2 hours after ingestion | 459 |
| Microlax | Osmotic agent | 15 minutes after ingestion | 742 |
| Normase | Osmotic agent | Not indicated | 271 |
Laxatives that are used to relieve constipation at home have a high level of effectiveness, however, after using them, a person may experience certain side effects. Also, some drugs have a whole list of contraindications, so they are not suitable for every person, when it becomes necessary to eliminate constipation.
Which laxative to choose for the treatment of constipation should be decided only by the attending physician. In addition, as noted earlier, these drugs only eliminate constipation, but not the cause of their occurrence. Therefore, the treatment of constipation should be complex, with the use of not only laxatives, but also other drugs that bring the intestines and the entire digestive tract back to normal. If you have experience using the laxatives described in our rating, or you are using another drug, please share your opinion and advice with us in the comments.
After the operation, my mother had a problem with cleansing the intestines and Duphalac helps her very well. True, I did not see it in the rating, but laxatives based on lactulose are presented, and Duphalac also has lactulose as an active ingredient. Duphalac has one significant drawback, namely its high cost. I read about the Austrian-made Normase, which is more affordable and the best mild laxative. I will definitely use the advice of the article and buy it for my mom.