One of the serious problems in people in old age is constipation, often turning into chronic. This gives the body a lot of discomfort and anguish. How to treat constipation in this case? Laxatives help to improve the peristalsis of the intestine. Below are the tools that are more suitable for the elderly.
Laxatives for constipation in the home
The mechanism of action of different laxatives is different, but they have a common goal - to fight with constipation and atony, ie,a violation of the intestine. It is carried out by the following methods:
- Irritation of receptors in the intestine. Such an effect is provided by phytopreparations, Bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate, buckthorn bark. They stimulate the peristalsis directly and increase the release of mucus into the large intestine.
- Increase in the volume of intestinal contents leading to stimulation of the walls. With this task, salt medicines and sea kale are being used.
- Softening of stool, which makes emptying much easier. Such an effect is possessed by oily medicinal preparations.
- Fluid retention in the intestine by osmotic pressure. The drugs of the same name delay the absorption of water into the intestinal walls, as a result of which it dilutes the stool masses. In addition, such drugs will not cause addiction.
- Restoration of bacterial balance of the intestine. To this end, prebiotics are used that are best suited for the elderly.
Strong fasting laxative
Only with acute attacks of constipation the patient can use laxatives of rapid action. If the systematic use of such drugs, the intestine will weaken and will itself no longer be able to empty. These funds are good only for their speed, but they are able to eliminate only the symptom of the disease. Among the laxatives of urgent drugs recommended for the elderly, we can distinguish:
- Guttalax. Rapidly acting laxative in the form of drops. The desired effect is manifested after 12 hours. The dose of the drug depends on the stage of constipation and ranges from 10 to 15 drops. Laxative drug at the same time is addictive, so it is not recommended for long-term use. The price from 300 r.
- Forlax. Another effective tool based on the "washout" effect. The disadvantage is that the mineral composition of the blood deteriorates. It is based on osmotic action. Dosage is 2 bags of powder at a time or 1 morning and evening. The price from 250 r.
- Regulus. Available in the form of drops and cubes for chewing. This powerful means leads to addiction, because the main component is a plant such as Senna. The daily dosage is 0.5-1 cube or 10-15 drops. The price from 250 r.
Soft laxative
Prebiotics have a milder effect on the body. Allowed such laxatives for constipation for the elderly, lactating and pregnant women. The principle of prebiotics is to stimulate the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Among the slow and safe laxatives for constipation for the elderly, the following are recommended:
- Prelax. Recommended for use against constipation, even in newborns. The basis of the drug is lactulose, which can draw water from the walls of the intestine. The form of the release is a liquid or powder for the preparation of a solution. The dose is 30 ml daily for the initial treatment, 20 ml - for the support. The price from 300 r.
- Dufalac. A light drug based on osmotic action. Getting into the large intestine, it breaks down into organic constituents. Fecal masses increase, followed by evacuation and restoration of normal microflora. The daily dose is 15-45 ml. The price from 250 r.
- Export. A remedy based on increased osmotic pressure. Laxative effect occurs after 24 hours after taking, but it can also appear after 2-3 days. The dosage is 4 tsp.powder daily. The price from 250 r.
Non-addictive laxatives
It is very important not to get addicted to the drug. Long-term use of laxatives with constipation for the elderly is dangerous because the body stops responding to them. This causes a person to increase the dose, but such actions will not bring the desired effect. To laxative drugs that do not lead to addiction, one can attribute the following:
- Microlux. It is based on liquefaction of intestinal contents, facilitating its excretion. The release form is a laxative solution for rectal administration. The daily dose includes 5 ml of the drug, i.e.the contents of 1 enema. The price from 350 r.
- Phytomyl. Herbal preparation, the main components of which are the fruits of the domestic plum and the skin of the plantain seeds. Laxative affects the feces, liquefying them and thereby improving digestion. Apply the powder, diluted in water. The daily dose is 1 sachet. The price from 250 r.
- is weak. Drops based on irritation of the intestinal mucosa receptors. Take the medicine before going to bed inside, and the dose depends on the age of the patient and the stage of constipation. Price from 120 rub.
Treatment of constipation in the elderly
Therapy for problems with emptying in the elderly is carried out by various means: tablets, herbal decoctions, powders, solutions or candles. The latter are effective only in the proctogenic variety of this disease. They cause the walls of the intestines to contract due to their receptors. With colonic constipation, when the fecal masses do not pass beyond the rectum, tablets will be more effective.
Candles for Constipation
For adults, there are many varieties of purgative candles, because these drugs in contraindications are more often present only pregnant women and children. In addition, rectal treatment is prescribed by the elderly to prevent anal fissures and hemorrhoids, which is the result of an irregular stool. There are several effective laxative suppositories:
- Bisacodyl. They are based on a contact irritant action that stimulates the intestinal peristalsis. Apply 1-2 times daily as a direct injection into the rectum. Price from 30 rub.
- Glycerin suppositories. They are considered one of the safest laxatives. The main component is glycerin, softly affecting the intestinal mucosa. Apply rectally, preferably after 15-20 minutes.after a morning meal. Price from 100 rub. Sea buckthorn candles. Remedy on natural ingredients. Has a restorative effect. Apply twice a day for 1 candle. The price from 90 r.
Laxative tablets
When choosing a laxative in the form of tablets, you can use the following drugs:
- Pikolaks. The main component is sodium picosulfate, an auxiliary component is lactose. They cause the reaction of nerve endings in the intestines, rather than stimulate defecation. One-time intake of laxative should include 5-10 mg of the drug at night. Price from 100 rub.
- Lactusan. Tablets from constipation, restoring the natural intestinal microflora. Are indicated for dysbacteriosis, constipation and colitis. The elderly need to take 4-5 tablets twice a day. The laxative begins 2-3 days later. The price is from 150 r.
Folk laxatives for constipation
Problems with evacuation can be treated with the help of informal medicine. The following folk remedies for constipation in the elderly are effective:
- Broth of cowberries. Take 0.3 kg of berries, pour a liter of water to them. Insist the remedy in a dark place for about a day. Then use 1 tbsp.before each meal. A buckthorn with coriander. Take 1 tsp.seeds of both ingredients, pour 0.1 liters of boiling water. Stir until a saturated solution is obtained. Take 3 tbsp.l.per day.
- Raisins. Take 1 tbsp.l.ingredient. Pour it 0.3 liters of boiling water. Keep the infusion in the thermos for about 6 hours. Then lead a daily intake of 0.1 liters.
Nutrition for constipation in the elderly
Laxatives for constipation for the elderly will be effective if combined with gymnastics and, if possible, physical exercise. Hiking in the park will only benefit. In addition, you need to change the power, i.e.go to the right one. The diet should consist of a large amount of fiber, pectins and coarse fibers. For this reason, the following foods should be added to the diet menu:
- fresh apples, kiwi;
- fresh vegetables: cabbage, zucchini, cucumber, carrot, lettuce;
- sea kale;
- drink based on a tea mushroom;
- apple, plum, carrot juice;
- grapes, plums, prunes;
- bran.