What can i take for constipation in pregnancy
Colace Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
Uses
This medication is used to treat occasional constipation. Some medications and conditions can make constipation more likely. Stool softeners such as docusate are often the first method used for preventing and treating this type of constipation. Docusate is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be avoided (such as after a heart attack or surgery).Docusate is a stool softener. It works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
How to use Colace
Follow all directions on the product package unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually at bedtime with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water or juice, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Decrease your dose or stop taking this medication if you develop diarrhea.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the drops, measure the medication with the dropper provided, or use a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you have the correct dose. Mix the syrup, liquid or drops in 4 to 8 ounces of fruit juice, milk or infant formula to prevent throat irritation and mask a bitter taste.
Use this medication only when needed. Do not use this product for more than 1 week unless directed by your doctor.
Relief is usually seen in 1 to 3 days.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
Stomach pain, diarrhea, or cramping may occur. Irritated throat (with liquid or syrup forms) may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: rectal bleeding.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication: severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sudden change in bowel habits over the previous 2 weeks.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: mineral oil, drugs containing phenolphthalein.
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Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Do not share this medication with others.
Constipation can usually be prevented by eating a diet high in fiber, drinking enough fluids and getting regular exercise. Use this medication for temporary relief of constipation only. Do not use this medication for a long period of time to prevent becoming dependent on laxatives.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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Milk Of Magnesia Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
Uses
This medication is used for a short time to treat occasional constipation. It is a laxative (osmotic-type) that is thought to work by drawing water into the intestines, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. This medication is also used to treat symptoms caused by too much stomach acid such as heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion. It is an antacid that works by lowering the amount of acid in the stomach.
How to use Milk Of Magnesia Suspension, (Final Dose Form)
Take this product by mouth as directed. For the chewable form, chew thoroughly before swallowing. For the liquid form, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are taking this medication for constipation, drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) with each dose. Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Extended use or overuse of this medication for constipation may result in dependence on laxatives and ongoing constipation. Overuse may also cause diarrhea that doesn't go away, dehydration, and mineral imbalances (such as high magnesium).
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. For constipation problems, it may take 30 minutes to 6 hours to produce a bowel movement. Tell your doctor if this product does not produce a bowel movement, if you need to use this medication or other laxative products regularly for more than 1 week, or if you have rectal bleeding. For stomach acid problems, do not take the maximum dose of this medication for more than 2 weeks unless directed by your doctor. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Side Effects
Diarrhea may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: symptoms of high magnesium levels (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes such as confusion), symptoms of dehydration (such as decreased urination, dizziness, extreme thirst, very dry mouth), stomach/abdominal pain, bloody stools, rectal bleeding.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking magnesium hydroxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, appendicitis or symptoms of appendicitis (such as stomach/abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting), magnesium-restricted diet, sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for longer than 2 weeks.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: raltegravir, sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Magnesium hydroxide can decrease the absorption of other drugs such as dasatinib, delavirdine, atazanavir, gabapentin, digoxin, mycophenolate, phosphate supplements (such as potassium phosphate), tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, minocycline), certain azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), and quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin). Separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of magnesium hydroxide. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.
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Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: diarrhea that is severe or doesn't go away, muscle weakness, mental/mood changes (such as confusion), slow/irregular heartbeat, decreased urination, dizziness.
Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and diet changes (including drinking enough water, eating a proper diet with fiber-rich foods such as bran, fresh fruits/vegetables) may prevent or relieve constipation.
Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and diet changes (such as avoiding caffeine/certain spices) may help to reduce heartburn and other stomach acid problems.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Not applicable.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
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Yes, In the past 3 months
Yes, In the past 6 months
Yes, In the past year
Haven't purchased but considering
Don't plan to purchase
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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Constipation during pregnancy: causes, recommendations
In addition, constipation in pregnant women may be caused by changes in the nature of food, the use of smooth muscle-relaxing drugs (lowering uterine activity, progesterone) 3 or mineral supplements containing iron and calcium4. Sometimes a woman has to lie down all the time, and at least minimal physical activity is necessary to maintain a normal bowel movement 3 . Another reason for the formation of constipation in pregnant women can be a decrease in fluid intake, starting from the earliest dates 4 .
In addition, constipation in pregnant women may be caused by changes in the nature of food, the use of smooth muscle-relaxing drugs (lowering uterine activity, progesterone) 3 or mineral supplements containing iron and calcium4. Sometimes a woman has to lie down all the time, and at least minimal physical activity is necessary to maintain a normal bowel movement 3 . Another reason for the formation of constipation in pregnant women can be a decrease in fluid intake, starting from the earliest dates 4 .
Thus, low bowel tone during pregnancy is generally initially protective, but may result in constipation 1 .
Possible complications of constipation in pregnancy
Gestational constipation can not only drastically reduce the quality of life, but also pose a certain threat to the well-being of the pregnant woman and the fetus.
Prolonged stagnation of feces can lead to a series of disorders, among other things, to the activation of opportunistic microorganisms. The penetration of microbes and their metabolic products through the intestinal wall can be at least a predisposing factor, and sometimes a direct cause of complicated pregnancy, problems in childbirth and the postpartum period 1 .
Disruption of the normal balance of the colonic microbiota during constipation may later cause a change in the composition of the microflora of the cervical canal.
This condition can cause intrauterine ascending infection and the occurrence of various complications of the gestation period. The course of pregnancy against the background of stagnation in the large intestine can lead to the threat of interruption, untimely discharge of amniotic fluid, inflammation of the uterine mucosa 1 .
The pathological increase in intestinal permeability caused by constipation impairs its barrier function, and even after childbirth it may not fully recover. That is why constipation is a situation that cannot be ignored and must be treated 1 .
Disruption of the normal balance of the colonic microbiota during constipation may later cause a change in the composition of the microflora of the cervical canal. nine0029
This condition can cause intrauterine ascending infection and the occurrence of various complications of the gestation period. The course of pregnancy against the background of stagnation in the large intestine can lead to the threat of termination, untimely discharge of amniotic fluid, inflammation of the uterine mucosa 1 .
The pathological increase in intestinal permeability caused by constipation impairs its barrier function, and even after childbirth it may not fully recover. That's why constipation is a situation that cannot be ignored and must be treated 1 .
Treatment of gestational constipation
The main rules for the prevention and treatment of constipation in pregnant women are primarily diet and recommendations for increasing physical activity 4 . Treatment of constipation, especially in pregnant women, begins with dietary measures 4 .
For a laxative purpose, foods rich in indigestible plant fibers (fiber) are introduced into the menu. There are many such substances in raw fruits and vegetables, wholemeal bread 4 .
In terms of nutritional properties, wheat bran is considered the most acceptable for human consumption, which can be added 2-3 teaspoons to prepared meals 3 .
Prunes, kefir, dried apricots are considered products that help relieve constipation. The menu is recommended to include beets, zucchini, cabbage, lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes. It is recommended to limit the consumption of strong tea and coffee, sweets and cocoa, flour dishes in the diet 3 . nine0009
It may also be necessary to correct the mode of motor activity, the amount of which is discussed with the doctor 3 . Gymnastics, walking or swimming in the pool may be recommended for a pregnant woman, if this is not contraindicated for health reasons 4 .
In some cases, despite following all recommendations, it may be necessary to use laxatives 4 . The choice of a possible drug cannot be made independently, because self-medication with laxatives during pregnancy is especially undesirable 1 .
The use of any medicine during pregnancy carries certain risks that only a doctor can weigh.
Therefore, only with medical permission, laxatives may be recommended. One of the laxatives that can be prescribed by a doctor to pregnant women starting from the 2nd trimester is Guttalax®: in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, the drug is contraindicated, in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy it is used with caution. Guttalax® is available in drops and tablets5,6. In view of the lack of studies, the use of Guttalax® tablets during pregnancy is recommended only in cases where the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. During pregnancy, the drug can be used only after consultation with a specialist. nine0009
More about the drug
To increase the efficiency of preparation for the study, the individual functional state of the large intestine is also taken into account. If you have chronic constipation, you need to pay special attention to diet. In preparation for research, Guttalax® Express can be used in suppositories 8 . nine0102 The active substance - bisacodyl - becomes active and acts only in the lumen of the large intestine, therefore it does not affect the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine 8 . The drug Guttalax® Express enhances peristalsis, stimulates the natural process of bowel movement, and softens the stool. The development time of the laxative effect of the drug is 20 minutes (from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, in some cases - 45 minutes) 8 . nine0009
THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. IT IS NECESSARY TO CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST.
Treatment of constipation in pregnant women in a private clinic
This is one of the most common, but at the same time the most delicate problems that occur in at least 50% of pregnant women. In a normal state, bowel movements should be daily and in sufficient volume. Any deviations in this process require attention and adjustment of the diet, lifestyle and even psychological attitude. From a physiological point of view, problems in the work of the gastrointestinal tract are explained by hormonal changes and the physiological characteristics of the body of a pregnant woman (under the influence of various processes in different phases of pregnancy, the contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestine is weakened, in addition, the enlarged uterus compresses the intestines, etc.). nine0009
Among other - non-medical reasons - the most common are the features of a woman's lifestyle: systematic stress; lack of mobility; lack of fiber; low water intake (not liquids!) and/or high intake of refined foods and foods with a high composition of sugar, homogenized fats and salt (fast food). “Refined foods are refined oils, polished rice, white flour and all the familiar white refined sugar, plus fast food with a high composition of sugar, homogenized fats and salt, which slow down the absorption of nutrients by the body and the passage of food in the intestines” (Laima Lankmane, naturopath, herbalist). nine0009
Homeopaths say that constipation is not only a “problem” of the rectum, “it is a problem of the whole organism as a whole and it must be solved in a complex way” (D.V. Arkhipova, Ph.D., homeopath): for example, this may be an allergic reaction to certain foods. Therefore, constipation is, in principle, an individual problem, and an individual approach will be the most effective solution to the problem: “Even equally pregnant women do not have 2 identical constipations: some had them before pregnancy, others did not eat properly, others did not move. All good wishes for real constipation will work only in 10% of cases. The only right decision is a full-fledged visit to a homeopath, who will approach the solution of the disharmony that has arisen, taking into account all the individual characteristics of a woman, looking at her as an integral unique system ”(A.S. Gavrilenko, obstetrician-gynecologist, Ph.D., homeopath , reflexologist). nine0009
First, about how NOT to solve the problem of constipation: classic laxatives such as hay, aloe vera and castor oil are contraindicated for pregnant women - they can cause premature contractions.
Now about what is POSSIBLE and NEEDED.
DIET
- Need to temporarily eliminate dairy products. “The main milk protein, casein, is one of the most difficult to digest proteins and is also a strong allergen. The fact that cottage cheese itself is capable of causing constipation is probably known to everyone. If you solve the problem with constipation in this way, then carefully introduce natural fermented milk products into the diet (preferably without flavorings and sugar) ”(D.V. Arkhipova, Ph.D., homeopath). It’s not worth worrying that the baby won’t get enough of something - he will take everything he needs from “mother’s reserves”, and the question is not in the amount eaten, but in the amount absorbed by the mother’s body. From the point of view of homeopathy, if you want - eat, no - you don’t need to force yourself, because. food likes and aversions are in accordance with our constitution, and therefore our needs (naturally, this applies to healthy and healthy eating habits). nine0126
- It is necessary to monitor the liquid used - or rather, drink enough clean water. Volume - from one to three liters per day, if desired, but not less than a liter. “If you don’t feel like drinking water, you need to remove sweet drinks and teas from the diet and compensate for this with clean water (preferably raw, of artesian origin, pleasant to the taste, and even better thawed).” (T.G. Sadovaya, obstetrician, author of the lecture “Nutrition during pregnancy”).
- “Dried fruits are required (you can pour prunes with water at night and drink an infusion in the morning), and / or drink a glass of water in the morning on an empty stomach (you can add a little lemon juice there) and a glass of water with honey at night” (I.S. Arefyeva, obstetrician gynecologist). nine0126
- The diet should have a sufficient amount of fiber: at least 50% of the diet of natural plant foods in raw and processed form (fiber stimulates peristalsis). It can be whole grain cereals, products made from wholemeal flour, fruits before meals or in between, vegetables, berries (the same cranberries help with constipation).
- A daily intake of 1 to 3 tablespoons of unrefined oils has a good effect on the body. “Sweet almond oil (food) has a pronounced laxative effect and does not irritate the intestinal wall. Olive and linseed oils, as well as walnut oil, also have a mild laxative effect. Do not forget that unrefined oils should be stored in the refrigerator (with the exception of olive oil), and flaxseed should be eaten within a month after opening the bottle. (O.L. Bannikova, obstetrician). nine0126
- Add magnesium-rich foods to your diet, such as green leafy vegetables, walnuts and almonds, sunflower seeds (unroasted and preferably pre-soaked for 5-7 hours), green buckwheat and spinach. “You can try this recipe - soak 1 teaspoon of flax seeds in ½ cup of warm water and leave for several hours. Then eat it just like that or add it to porridge, soup” (L. Lankmane, naturopath, phytotherapeutist).
- You can try to consume more foods that normalize the balance of intestinal flora - such as kefir (preferably homemade), miso soup, sauerkraut. nine0126
- You should not get carried away with strong tea, black coffee, cocoa, chocolate, white bread, flour and slimy soups, semolina, blueberries. All these products, like dry food, have a fixing effect. For the time of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it is better to observe separate fractional meals, drink liquid 15 minutes before meals or some time later, etc. - that is, to facilitate the assimilation of the food consumed as much as possible. Make sure that there are no distortions - the daily diet should be balanced. nine0126
HOW TO HELP
- Enzymatic preparations can be taken for a short time. If these are preparations of animal origin - no more than 7 days, plant enzymes can be taken longer. You can take probiotics, beneficial gut bacteria that aid digestion. Long-term use of these biological products not only normalizes the intestinal flora, but also contributes to a less pronounced manifestation of dysbacteriosis in a newborn child. (D. V. Arkhipova, homeopath, PhD, pediatrician)
- Check with the doctor the level of iron - against the background of its deficiency, there may also be disturbances in the work of the intestines. “But keep in mind that some iron-containing dietary supplements, unfortunately, can only worsen this condition (not to mention dosage forms). It is better to add foods rich in iron, such as almonds, pine nuts, apricots, avocados, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, wheat germ ”(L. Lankmane, naturopath, herbalist).
- Freshly squeezed juices, diluted 1 to 1 with water 15 minutes before meals, stimulate the production of pancreatic enzymes and aid digestion in the most natural way. (D.V. Arkhipova, homeopath, PhD, pediatrician)
- Drink hot - as far as possible - water on an empty stomach, a little later, eat half a banana, chewing it for a long time and macerating it with saliva to a liquid slurry (the banana must be ripe!). (O.L. Bannikova, obstetrician).
- Starting from the second trimester, you can use essential oils: exotic basil (Ocimum basilicum in Latin), seaside pine (Pinus Pinaster), saro (Cinnamosma fragrans, Saro), rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora). “Oils should be only edible, of good quality! It is not recommended to use essential oils during the first 3 months of pregnancy. 1st composition - take 1 drop of basil, 2 drops of pine on a small piece of sugar or honey and suck under the tongue in the morning on an empty stomach. 2nd composition - basil 30 drops, rosewood 20 drops, saro 10 drops and 40 drops of apricot kernel oil or any other unrefined food oil. Mix. Take 3 drops of this mixture under the tongue on sugar or honey morning and evening before meals for 5-7 days or as needed. When buying aroma oils, be sure to check whether there is information on the packaging that this oil can be eaten. (O.L. Bannikova, obstetrician)
- If this does not help, you can try to use "Duphalac" for a short time.
LIFESTYLE
Enough physical activity, swimming in the pool. Walking for at least one hour. But the load should be increased gradually. To begin with, one lesson should be no more than 30 minutes. The step should be slow, the shoes are comfortable, and the route should be laid away from the roads.