Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow They WorkHow They DifferTypes and BrandsPossible Side Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How They Work
How They Differ
Types and Brands
Possible Side Effects
This article explains how osmotic laxatives work, how they differ from other types of laxatives, plus the possible risks and side effects.
How Osmotic Laxatives Work
The term “osmotic” refers to the movement of a fluid through a membrane so that the concentration is equal on both sides. This is how osmotic laxatives work.
In people with constipation, the concentration of water in the wall of thecolonand the inside of the colon (called thelumen) will be balanced but too low to compensate for hard, dry stools. This is especially true of people who are don’t consume enough water.
Osmotic laxatives alter the balance with substances—such as salts, sugars, and other organic compounds—that encourage the movement of water into the lumen.
In addition to treating constipation, osmotic laxatives are sometimes used forbowel prep(to cleanse the bowel of stool) prior to undergoingcolonoscopy.
Recap
How Osmotic Laxatives Differ
Osmotic laxatives work differently than other types of laxatives in that they are sometimes be used to prevent or treat chronic constipation. The others are generally used for the treatment of occasional constipation.
Other types of laxatives include:
RecapOsmotic laxatives work differently than emollient laxatives (that draw water and fat to stools), lubricant laxatives (that lubricate stools), and stimulant laxatives (that speed intestinal contractions).
Osmotic laxatives work differently than emollient laxatives (that draw water and fat to stools), lubricant laxatives (that lubricate stools), and stimulant laxatives (that speed intestinal contractions).
Common Osmotic Laxatives
There are several common osmotic laxatives you can use if you have constipation. Each is made with different active ingredients:
RecapThere are several different active ingredients used in osmotic laxatives, including polyethylene glycol (Miralax), lactulose (Cephulac), Sorbitol (Arlex), magnesium citrate (Citrate of Magnesia), and magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia).
There are several different active ingredients used in osmotic laxatives, including polyethylene glycol (Miralax), lactulose (Cephulac), Sorbitol (Arlex), magnesium citrate (Citrate of Magnesia), and magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia).
As with all drugs, osmotic laxatives can cause side effects. Most are relatively mild and will resolve on their own within a couple of days.
Common side effects of osmotic laxatives include:
The overuse of osmotic laxatives can cause dehydration and theloss of electrolyteslike sodium, calcium, and potassium. These are some of the minerals that the body needs to regulate heartbeats, muscle contractions, and other key functions.
Although not approved for such, osmotic laxatives like Miralax are sometimes used for the long-term management of chronic constipation. The other osmotic laxatives are generally intended for short-term use.
Speak with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are using any laxative correctly, whether it is over-the-counter or prescription.
RecapCommon side effects of osmotic laxatives include nausea, bloating, cramping, flatulence, and diarrhea. The overuse of osmotic laxatives can lead to dehydration and other complications.
Common side effects of osmotic laxatives include nausea, bloating, cramping, flatulence, and diarrhea. The overuse of osmotic laxatives can lead to dehydration and other complications.
Recognizing Dehydration Symptoms: Key Signs to Watch Out For
Summary
Osmotic laxatives can cause side effects like nausea, bloating, cramping, gas, and diarrhea. The overuse of osmotic laxatives can cause dehydration and other potentially serious complications.
If you are thinking about using osmotic laxatives, be sure to follow the dosing instructions carefully. To avoid complications, use a laxative only when needed. It is a good idea to eat plenty of fiber-rich foods to optimize digestive health.
If you have chronic constipation, see your healthcare provider so that they can identify the underlying cause. In some cases, the condition can be improved with diet, exercise, and increased fluid intake. Others may require treatments that extend beyond the use of laxatives.
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tropini C, Moss EL, Merrill BD.Transient Osmotic Perturbation Causes Long-Term Alteration to the Gut Microbiota.Cell. 2018;173(7):1742-1754.e17. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2018.05.008
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tropini C, Moss EL, Merrill BD.Transient Osmotic Perturbation Causes Long-Term Alteration to the Gut Microbiota.Cell. 2018;173(7):1742-1754.e17. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2018.05.008
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Tropini C, Moss EL, Merrill BD.Transient Osmotic Perturbation Causes Long-Term Alteration to the Gut Microbiota.Cell. 2018;173(7):1742-1754.e17. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2018.05.008
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
