Patient was educated on how to take lubricant laxatives as follows:
- Take the lubricant laxative by measuring it with a proper measuring spoon to avoid overdosing on the medication.
- Mix the lubricant laxative thoroughly in a cup with about one ounce of water or fruit juice before drinking it. Drink one more ounce of water after swallowing the lubricant laxative, to wash it down to the site where it acts, the intestines.
- Lubricating laxatives take about 8 hours to cause bowel movement. Usually, it is taken on an empty stomach, 2 hours before the dinner.
- Do not take the lubricant laxatives close to bedtime. Individuals with poor muscle control on swallowing, such as, senior citizens, stroke victims, and individuals who underwent any surgeries of the brain and neck, are prone to aspirate with lubricant laxatives, especially in lying down positions. These laxatives are to be avoided close to bedtime.
- Take the lubricant laxative at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not overdose on the lubricant laxative to increase the ease of having a bowel movement.
- Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your doctor.
- Space lubricant laxatives out by at least 2 hours from other medications, as they reduce the absorption of prescription medications.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose.
