Patient was educated on the side effects of using osmotic laxatives as follows: Abdominal bloating Osmotic laxatives by increasing the fluid content in the stool can result in an unpleasant bloating sensation, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort. Dehydration Since these laxatives draw large amount of water in the stool, patients are at risk for dehydration. Noncompliance with rehydration can lead to episodes of hypotension, dizziness, dry mouth, and reduced urination. High magnesium levels Osmotic laxatives with [...]

Patient was educated on how to take osmotic laxatives as follows: Take the medication with a full 8 oz. glass of water, as these laxatives are at high risk for inducing fluid volume depletion with symptoms of dehydration. 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 [...]

Patient was educated on osmotic laxatives as follows: Osmotic laxatives work on the principle of osmosis, a phenomenon of fluid migration from areas of less solute concentration to more solute concentration. Osmotic laxatives are highly concentrated, some with high sodium and magnesium salts. Some of these laxatives are highly concentrated with lactulose. These agents in the intestines, due to their high concentration, tend to osmotically draw water from surrounding tissues. By drawing more amount of [...]