Patient was educated on stimulant laxatives as follows:
- Stimulant laxatives are agents that stimulate the intestines, resulting in increased smooth muscle contractions.
- Increased smooth muscle contractions move the stool faster and so, decrease the transit time of the stool through the intestines.
- Water is gradually absorbed from the stool, as it travels along the intestines, making the stool dry and harder.
- Shortening of the transit time along the intestines will allow only less water to be absorbed along the intestines and so, prevents the stool from drying and maintains it soft, which is easy to be eliminated.
- These laxatives are usually considered for an instant relief from constipation and not to be used on a regular basis.
- Examples of stimulant laxatives include Bisacodyl, Senokot, dried prunes, and Castor oil.
