Patient was educated on how to take stimulant laxatives as follows:
- Take the medication with a full 8 oz. glass of water.
- Take it at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not overdose on the stimulant laxative to increase the ease of having a bowel movement
- Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your doctor.
- Space the stimulant laxatives out with other medications, especially antacids, as they inhibit the absorption of stimulant laxatives.
- Watch out for any signs and symptoms of worsening of constipation, any intense acute abdominal pain, and any rectal bleed to report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
- Stimulant laxatives take about 6 to 10 hours to bring on a bowel movement. So, they are best taken at bedtime for optimal functioning.
- 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.
