Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using emollient laxatives as follows:
- Do not use lubricant laxatives with emollients, such as, Colace. Concurrent use of both these laxatives can result in increased absorption of the lubricant laxatives into the body that get deposited in various vital organs, contributing to their inflammation.
- Discontinue using the emollient laxative, if you experience any abdominal pain or rectal bleed.
- Since these laxatives add large amounts of water to stool, caution must be exercised with regards to rehydration. Noncompliance with rehydration, especially in senior citizens, can lead to episodes of intense dehydration. A deliberate effort for rehydration should be made, as senior citizens usually have diminished sensitivity to thirst and are likely to skip drinking water.
- Prolonged use of emollient laxatives may result in one losing the natural urge of having a bowel movement. Try not to use this laxative beyond one or two weeks, without doctor’s recommendation.
