Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using osmotic laxatives as follows:
- Osmotic laxatives with sodium can result in episodes of exacerbation of blood pressure, congestive heart failure, fluid retention with edema and weight gain, and exacerbation of shortness of breath. Report any such findings to your doctor immediately. Extra caution must be exercised while administering osmotic laxatives for patients placed on fluid limitations, such as, individuals with congestive heart failure and renal failure.
- Notify your doctor, if your constipation does not get any better or if it gets worse, while continuing to use the osmotic laxatives.
- Do not increase the dose of laxative intake, to derive the desired effect of having a bowel movement, without consulting your doctor.
- 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.
- Report any lack of bowel movement for 3 days, while using osmotic laxatives.
