Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using stimulant laxatives as follows:
- Discontinue using the stimulant laxatives, if you experience any undiagnosed abdominal pain or rectal bleed.
- Since these laxatives decrease the transit time for the stool through the intestines and retain more water in stool, individuals can be at risk for dehydration. Caution must be exercised with regards to rehydration. 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 stimulant 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.
- Notify your doctor, if your constipation does not get any better or if it gets worse, while continuing to use the stimulant 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 stimulant laxatives.
