Patient was educated on the side effects of using emollient laxatives as follows:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Emollient laxatives add more water to the stool and can give rise to an unpleasant bloating sensation, abdominal discomfort, and cramping.
- Bloating and gas production
- Emollient laxatives, especially the liquid forms, give rise to an unpleasant bloating sensation and flatulence.
- If these unpleasant symptoms are too bothersome, change in plan could be made by trying other laxatives.
- Rectal bleeding
- Emollient laxatives can on occasions lead to episodes of rectal bleeding.
- This must be immediately reported and the emollient laxative is to be discontinued.
