Question

Were you surprised by any of the side effects, cautions, or contraindications of taking laxatives? Do you think laxative advertisements adequately warn the general public of the dangers of using laxatives? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Laxatives are the drugs used to pass stoola easily when a person has become constipated.

there are 4 main categories of laxative:

1. bulking agents
2. lubricating agents
3. osmotic laxatives
4. stimulant laxative

but there are ceratin unexpected side effects like excessive gassiness, bloatedness and crampy abdominal pains.

caution should bectaken while taking these laxatives on regular basis because the stimulating effect diminishes and higher dises are needed to produce same level of stimulation and effectiveness.

Taking too many laxatives overtime may weaken the bowel muscles furthue leading to constipation

contraindications are

sodium containing laxatives contraindicated in pregnancy and in patient with cardiac conditions.

appendicitis, intestinal obstruction and in case of allergies to decusate, psyllium and other laxative components

according to me laxative advertisements dont warn adequately as they always show such a relief after taking that particular laxative and give such a soothing name to the laxative like peitsfaaa in india that makes one imagine a laxative to be miraculous. Furthur these ads employ celebrities to advertise these laxatives and has huge impact on consumers that they give try to that laxative without thinking.