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Drink plenty of fluids with bulk-forming laxatives, and skip them if you have trouble swallowing. They can get stuck in your esophagus.
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Begin by taking small amounts of bulking agents and gradually increase your dosage, following the directions on the label, until you have regular bowel movements.
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Discuss bulk laxatives with your doctor as they may prevent your body from absorbing some medications. Diabetics, in particular, should avoid them.
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Take liquid stool softeners with milk or fruit juice to improve the taste.
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Wash down osmotics with 8 ounces of cold water or fruit juice, and then follow up with a second glass. These laxatives need plenty of fluid to work well.
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Skip stimulant laxatives, such as senna, if you have diverticulosis because they can irritate your colon. Instead, look to natural softeners, like prunes, prune juice, and psyllium.
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Only take senna laxatives short-term for occasional constipation, and do not take them more than two weeks without the advice of your doctor. Also, avoid using them if you take thiazide diuretics or adrenocorticosteroids.
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Don’t take castor oil at bedtime because it works faster than most other laxatives. And don’t use it regularly to treat constipation. Its action may be too strong for safe regular use.
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Kill the bad taste of castor oil by refrigerating it, and then mix it with cold orange juice just before drinking.
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Don’t crush or chew bisacodyl tablets, and avoid taking them within an hour of drinking milk or using antacids.
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Check with your doctor or pharmacist before trying stimulant laxatives if you are on a low-sugar, low-sodium, or low-calorie diet. Some contain large amounts of salt, sugar, or carbohydrates.
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Wait at least two hours after meals before taking mineral oil to minimize its interference with your body’s absorption of nutrients.
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Don’t take mineral oil for long periods of time. It can build up within body tissue and lead to other health problems.
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Never give mineral oil to someone who is bedridden or has trouble swallowing. Inhaling drops of it can cause pneumonia.
