Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Can Docusate Be Taken Along With Verapamil?
I have a right ventricular outflow tract arrhythmia and am on verapamil. I am experiencing constipation as a side effect of the medication. I have tried various fruit and fiber, more water, prunes without much success. Is it advisable to take a laxative such as docusate/sennosides? (the label says Sennosides is a stimulant - will that increase the cardiac arrhythmia?) Thank You, Gail
Wed, 21 Sep 2016
As such there is no significant drug interaction between verapamil and docusate. Docusate is a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives are substances that act on the intestinal mucosa increasing water and electrolyte secretion in gut causing softening of stool. Stimulant laxative does not stimulate heart and does not cause cardiac arrhythmia.
You can try with lactulose. It is a better laxative.
Advice
1. Syrup lactulose 2 teaspoonful per oral at bed time
2. Continue verapamil as suggested by your doctor
3. Take high fiber diet such as split peas, lentils, black beans, lima beans, baked beans, whole grains, vegetables such as artichoke, green peas, and sprouts and fruits
4. Drink 4 – 5 liters of water daily
5. Avoid straining while defecating
6. Regularly go to toilet. Never avoid if you feel pressure
7. Avoid excess intake tea and coffee after meal if tea and coffee contain tannins which cause constipation
Thanks
You can try with lactulose. It is a better laxative.
Advice
1. Syrup lactulose 2 teaspoonful per oral at bed time
2. Continue verapamil as suggested by your doctor
3. Take high fiber diet such as split peas, lentils, black beans, lima beans, baked beans, whole grains, vegetables such as artichoke, green peas, and sprouts and fruits
4. Drink 4 – 5 liters of water daily
5. Avoid straining while defecating
6. Regularly go to toilet. Never avoid if you feel pressure
7. Avoid excess intake tea and coffee after meal if tea and coffee contain tannins which cause constipation
Thanks
I find this answer helpful
As such there is no significant drug interaction between verapamil and docusate. Docusate is a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives are substances that act on the intestinal mucosa increasing water and electrolyte secretion in gut causing softening of stool. Stimulant laxative does not stimulate heart and does not cause cardiac arrhythmia.
You can try with lactulose. It is a better laxative.
Advice
1. Syrup lactulose 2 teaspoonful per oral at bed time
2. Continue verapamil as suggested by your doctor
3. Take high fiber diet such as split peas, lentils, black beans, lima beans, baked beans, whole grains, vegetables such as artichoke, green peas, and sprouts and fruits
4. Drink 4 – 5 liters of water daily
5. Avoid straining while defecating
6. Regularly go to toilet. Never avoid if you feel pressure
7. Avoid excess intake tea and coffee after meal if tea and coffee contain tannins which cause constipation
Thanks
You can try with lactulose. It is a better laxative.
Advice
1. Syrup lactulose 2 teaspoonful per oral at bed time
2. Continue verapamil as suggested by your doctor
3. Take high fiber diet such as split peas, lentils, black beans, lima beans, baked beans, whole grains, vegetables such as artichoke, green peas, and sprouts and fruits
4. Drink 4 – 5 liters of water daily
5. Avoid straining while defecating
6. Regularly go to toilet. Never avoid if you feel pressure
7. Avoid excess intake tea and coffee after meal if tea and coffee contain tannins which cause constipation
Thanks
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....