How Do Osmotic Laxatives Work?

Osmotic laxatives are a type of laxatives used for treating constipation. In the intestine, osmotic agents pull water from the surrounding tissues using a process known as osmosis. Excess moisture in the intestine results in softer stools that are easier to pass. It is vital to drink lots of water while taking osmotic laxatives to improve their efficiency and to decrease the possibility of gas and cramps.

Osmotic laxatives are mainly used for:

• Constipation
• Hepatic encephalopathy (the loss of brain function when a damaged liver does not remove toxins from the blood.)
• Bowel preparation before a surgery

Osmotic laxatives, when taken orally, can cause these side effects:

• Burning sensation
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Rectal irritation
• Cramping rectal pain
• Nausea

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of osmotic laxative drugs include:

• Colav
• Colyte
• Constulose
• Enulose
• Fleet glycerin suppositories
• Fleet liquid glycerin suppositories
• Gavilyte-c
• Gavilyte-g
• Gavilyte-n
• Generlac
• Glycerin
• Glycerin rectal
• Glycolax
• Goevac
• Golytely
• Halflytely bowel prep kit
• Kristalose
• Lactitol
• Lactulose
• Miralax
• Nulytely
• Pedia-lax glycerin suppositories
• Pedia-lax liquid glycerin suppositories
• Pizensy
• Polyethylene glycol and electrolytes
• Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution
• Polyethylene glycol powder
• Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes and bisacodyl
• Sorbitol
• Trilyte