Laxatives

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

There are lots of reasons why people use laxatives to help them empty their bowels. Constipation is one of the most common reasons, and most cases are caused by a low fibre diet or dehydration. People also use laxatives to counter the effects of some medication, such as certain painkillers or antidepressants.

Some health conditions, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) can also cause symptoms requiring laxative treatment.

What is it used for?
How does it work?
Who can use it?
Cautions