Cautions of Laxatives

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Prolonged use of laxatives can be harmful. They should only be used for a short time. If you think you need to use laxatives for more than 2 weeks, speak to your doctor.

People with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should use laxatives only under the guidance of their doctor, to avoid making their symptoms worse.

Some people, particularly those with eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa, abuse laxatives to try to make themselves thin. This can be extremely dangerous as it can damage the bowel and lead to an imbalance of essential chemicals in the body.

Persistent changes in bowel habits can be an early symptom of an underlying condition, particularly in the middle aged or elderly. You should consult your doctor if these changes do not go away.