Patient was educated on the side effects of using bulk laxatives as follows:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Bulk laxatives absorb water and swell in the intestines, giving rise to an unpleasant bloating sensation, abdominal discomfort, and flatulence.
- Dehydration
- Since these laxatives take large amount of water to be able to exert their effects, caution must be exercised with regards to rehydration. Noncompliance with rehydration can lead to episodes of intense dehydration.
- Choking and difficulty breathing
- Water is needed to swallow the bulk laxative completely into the stomach.
- Care must be taken to prevent the bulk laxative to absorb water and swell while it is in the throat, which can result in choking and difficulty breathing.
- Poor absorption of other medication
- Bulk forming laxatives can reduce the absorption of certain prescription medications.
- Space bulk laxatives out by at least 2 hours from other medications.
- Interference with blood sugars
- Some of the bulk laxatives have sugar added to them and can result in poor blood sugar control with episodes of high blood glucose readings in diabetics.
- Sugar free versions of bulk laxatives are to be preferred in such case.
