Doctors alert consumers about laxative abuse dangers amid ongoing shortage
Numerous brands are facing shortages of polyethylene glycol 3350, generic name for over-the-counter laxatives, due high demand. This has prompted people to seek alternative solutions. However, doctors are cautioning against excessive laxative usage, reports Fox News.
Numerous brands are facing shortages of polyethylene glycol 3350, generic name for over-the-counter laxatives, due high demand. This has prompted people to seek alternative solutions. However, doctors are cautioning against excessive laxative usage, reports Fox News.
Dr.
Christine Meyer ,t based in Exton,
Pennsylvania , confirmed the current shortage of laxatives. She pointed out that
Miralax and Dulcolax, in particular, are becoming increasingly scarce in local pharmacies and retail stores.
The growing aging population is a significant factor contributing to the surge in demand, according to Dr.
Meyer .
One of the primary risks associated with
laxative abuse is dehydration, as explained by Dr.
Perkins who practices at
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital . Laxatives work by extracting excess water from the body to facilitate bowel movements, potentially leading to dehydration. This process can also result in the loss of essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium, necessary for basic bodily functions, potentially causing fatigue.
Dr. Perkins also emphasized that individuals with chronic medical conditions, especially heart-related issues, are at an elevated risk. Electrolytes are crucial for cardiac function, and laxative abuse can exacerbate these health concerns, potentially leading to problems with blood pressure control if dehydration occurs.