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Suggest Alternative Medication For Constipation

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Posted on Mon, 27 Jul 2015
Question: hi I started taking 2 prescriptions for joint pain. one or both has got me severely constipated. No bowel movement . r 4 days. I took some outdated exlax last night and 2 tablespoons of mineral oil this morning. The urge is there but nothing happens. I am very sore from trying. I don't know what else to do. any suggestions?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may need to try alternative and copious fluids

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Constipation can be very uncomfortable. It is possible that the ex lax did not have an effect because of the date
Normally it works within 6 to 12 hours.

If this time has passed then you may want to consider the following: (1) using an alternative such as dulcolax or obtaining another current set of the ex lax

Either one of these can be used to help and would be available over the counter, the dulcolax comes as either a tablet or suppository.
In some persons the suppository works within the hour.

(2)increase your fluid intake

This would not include any caffeinated products or alcohol because both of these cause the body to lose fluids.

(3)after your bowel has cleared , you may want to consider increasing your fiber intake
It can sometimes be difficult to get enough fiber from diet so fiber supplements may be needed.
This includes benefibre, cetrucil, metamucil

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Alternative Medication For Constipation

Brief Answer: may need to try alternative and copious fluids Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Constipation can be very uncomfortable. It is possible that the ex lax did not have an effect because of the date Normally it works within 6 to 12 hours. If this time has passed then you may want to consider the following: (1) using an alternative such as dulcolax or obtaining another current set of the ex lax Either one of these can be used to help and would be available over the counter, the dulcolax comes as either a tablet or suppository. In some persons the suppository works within the hour. (2)increase your fluid intake This would not include any caffeinated products or alcohol because both of these cause the body to lose fluids. (3)after your bowel has cleared , you may want to consider increasing your fiber intake It can sometimes be difficult to get enough fiber from diet so fiber supplements may be needed. This includes benefibre, cetrucil, metamucil I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions