Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using osmotic laxatives as follows:
- Be aware of signs and symptoms of dehydration, such as, episodes of hypotension, dizziness, dry mouth, and reduced urination. Caution must be exercised for rehydration.
- Osmotic laxatives by increasing the fluid content in the stool can result in an unpleasant bloating sensation, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort. If these unpleasant symptoms are too bothersome, change in plan could be made by trying other laxatives.
- Osmotic laxatives with magnesium can result in symptoms, such as, motor weakness, reduced respiratory rate, and cardiac arrhythmias. Be aware of signs and symptoms of arrhythmias, such as, rapid heart rate, fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, dizziness, and episodes of loss of consciousness. Report any such findings to your doctor immediately.
- Prolonged use of osmotic 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.
