What does a pregnant woman take for constipation

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

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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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.

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.

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

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.

Does Milk Of Magnesia Suspension, (Final Dose Form) interact with other drugs you are taking?

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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.

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Manifestations of constipation in pregnant women - signs and symptoms

Co-author, editor and medical expert - Klimovich Elina Valerievna.

Number of views: 53 112

Last updated: 10/21/2022

Average read time: 4 minutes

Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. About 75% of women complain of problems with bowel movements during pregnancy. At the same time, these difficulties remain in about a third of women after childbirth.

Contents:

Detailed description of the symptoms
What can cause constipation in a pregnant woman

Our bodies constantly produce substances that stimulate bowel movements. During pregnancy, the susceptibility of the intestinal muscles to various kinds of irritants is significantly reduced. The change in the intensity of intestinal reactions is due to the fact that it has a common innervation * with the uterus, because of this, any excessive activation of peristalsis can provoke contractile activity of the uterus. This can be a threat to the child. Unfortunately, this defensive reaction has unpleasant consequences - constipation. Often they occur between 17 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Clinically, constipation in pregnant women is manifested by several main symptoms:

stool retention for more than 3 days and problems with passing gases, flatulence;
unpleasant feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels;
the need to strain during bowel movements;
painful stools;
"sheep feces" (hard, dry, fragmented feces).

In the event of constipation, you should always seek medical advice, especially if you notice deterioration and pain.

Detailed description of symptoms

Constipation is characterized by decreased stool frequency. It happens that a pregnant woman manages to empty her intestines only once a week or less. The consistency of feces changes, discomfort and pain in the abdomen (often in its left half), there is a feeling of dissatisfaction after the stool.

Atonic constipation is characterized by very painful defecation, which occurs with great difficulty. Due to microscopic tears of the mucous membrane of the anus, streaks of blood may appear on the surface of the feces. Spasmodic constipation is characterized by fragmented stools ("sheep feces"). This condition is often accompanied by flatulence, a feeling of pressure, expansion, spasmodic pains in the abdomen. With prolonged constipation, there may be a feeling of lethargy, fatigue, a significant decrease in efficiency.

Pain in a pregnant woman occurs for no apparent reason or may be the result of excitement or physical exertion. Attacks of acute pain or exacerbation of constant discomfort, as a rule, are associated with negative emotions. The pain can be of varying strength, for example, in some cases it radiates to the lower back, leg, anus, and even the genitals. In some pregnant women, along with abdominal pain, there is a burning sensation in the rectum and itching in the anus. Nausea, bitterness in the mouth are often noted; passing gases is difficult.

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What constipation can cause in a pregnant woman

Feces in the rectum, which a pregnant woman cannot get rid of for a long time, bring her considerable discomfort. However, these are not the only consequences of constipation.

The large intestine mucosa is characterized by absorptive capacity; in case of constipation, not only water is absorbed into the blood, but also various toxic metabolic products. Intoxication of the woman and the fetus can lead to negative consequences and disrupt the development of the child in the future.
Due to the overflowing with dense feces, the rectum presses on the uterus, which leads to irritation. Despite the fact that the sensitivity of the uterus during pregnancy is reduced, there is a certain risk of increased uterine tone and, as a result, premature birth.
With constipation, the intestines press on the uterus and pelvic vessels, which disrupts the outflow of blood from them. For this reason, hemorrhoids can occur, which is manifested by the appearance of blood in the stool.

Constipation in a pregnant woman is a serious problem. To solve it, contact your doctor.

*Innervation - the supply of organs and tissues with nerve fibers, which ensures their connection with the central nervous system (CNS).

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The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

MICROLAX® during pregnancy - is it possible to use microclysters for pregnant women

Co-author, editor and medical expert - Klimovich Elina Valerievna.

Views: 116 584

Last update date: 21.10.2022 G.

Average Reading time: 7 minutes

The main symptoms of constipation during pregnancy
Causes during pregnancy
Why is it important to use laxatives in time during pregnancy?
Is MICROLAX ^® suitable for pregnant women?
Benefits of using MICROLAX ^® during pregnancy
How to use MICROLAX ^® during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, many women have difficulty defecation. The constant discomfort associated with stool retention can seriously overshadow the happy waiting time for the baby. Often, the expectant mother does not attach much importance to recurrent constipation or considers them a natural phenomenon that you just need to endure. And some women are forced to put up with discomfort, because they are sure that there are no safe laxatives for pregnant women. However, this is fundamentally wrong. When constipation occurs, it is important to inform the doctor about this problem in a timely manner. The specialist will select a comprehensive treatment and prescribe modern preparations for bowel cleansing with an optimal safety profile, for example, MICROLAX ^® .

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Main symptoms of constipation during pregnancy

Constipation in a pregnant woman is indicated by a decrease in the number of bowel movements: bowel cleansing occurs less than 3 times a week. A deviation from the norm is considered to be a delay in feces for more than 2 days. Violation of the frequency of bowel movements is often accompanied by other symptoms. The feces that accumulate in the intestines become hard and dry. Going to the toilet requires a lot of straining. Dense feces can injure the anus, then defecation will be accompanied by pain. In addition, with constipation, a pregnant woman may be disturbed by a feeling of fullness and blockage in the rectum. Often, even going to the toilet does not bring relief: after a bowel movement, there is a feeling that the intestines have not been completely cleansed. Often, constipation is accompanied by flatulence, bloating.

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Causes of constipation during pregnancy

Hormonal changes. In the early stages of pregnancy, the balance of hormones in a woman's body actively changes, in particular, the level of progesterone increases. It reduces the tone of the muscles of the small pelvis: this is important so that the fertilized egg can gain a foothold in the uterus. This action of progesterone also gives a side effect. The hormone slows down the digestive tract and reduces intestinal motility. Very often because of this, constipation occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Decreased physical activity. Many women, having learned that they are expecting a child, give up an active lifestyle and sports. To a certain extent, this is justified, since serious physical exertion can be the cause of miscarriage. As the fetus develops, the outlines of the figure and body weight of the woman change, and for natural reasons it becomes difficult for her to actively move. Hypodynamia leads to a decrease in intestinal tone, which contributes to the development of constipation.

Taking certain drugs. For normal development, the fetus needs vitamins and microelements, so pregnant women are often prescribed medications containing these beneficial substances. Some of these drugs have a fixing property. First of all, these are products with a high content of calcium and iron.

Fluid deficiency in the body. In late pregnancy, many women experience swelling of the face, legs and arms. Because of this, expectant mothers try to drink less during the day and reduce the consumption of juicy fruits and vegetables. Lack of fluid and fiber leads to compaction of feces and difficulty in emptying the intestines.

Pressure from an enlarged uterus. During pregnancy, there is a displacement of the abdominal organs. The uterus takes up more and more space and compresses the surrounding tissues. This can lead to decreased sensitivity and intestinal motility. As a result, constipation occurs. In the later stages, shortly before childbirth, the lowered head of the fetus can also squeeze the intestines.

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Why is it so important to use laxatives during pregnancy?

Constipation can negatively affect the health of the expectant mother and her baby. Violation of the frequency of bowel movements in some cases can cause inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs and an imbalance in the intestinal microflora. The consequences of constipation in the later stages are especially undesirable. A rectum full of feces can increase the tone of the uterus. This, like too much straining during a bowel movement, can provoke premature birth. That is why it is important for a pregnant woman to cleanse the intestines in a timely manner, if necessary, using laxatives approved by the doctor for use.

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Is MICROLAX
^® suitable for pregnant women?
According to the instructions for medical use, it is allowed to use MICROLAX ^® during pregnancy ¹ . This modern laxative in the format of a disposable microclyster softens dense fecal masses in the rectum and does not affect other organs of the digestive system and small pelvis. The active components of the drug are practically not absorbed into the systemic circulation and do not cause uterine contractions. MICROLAX ^® can be used in any trimester of pregnancy, after consulting a doctor.

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Benefits of using MICROLAX
^® during pregnancy
Effect of the drug. The effect of MICROLAX ^® can begin as early as 5-15 minutes ² after application, unlike oral medications, which can take effect at the most inopportune moment.

Hygienic packaging. Micro enema MICROLAX ^® is intended for single use. It is completely ready for use and does not require preliminary antiseptic treatment.

Easy application. When using MICROLAX ^®, a pregnant woman does not need to individually select the dosage. Microclyster contains the optimal amount of the drug for a single use. The flexible applicator tip allows you to safely and conveniently inject the laxative into the rectum.

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How to use MICROLAX
^® during pregnancy?

Take the tube and break off the seal on the applicator tip.
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