Constipation is when bowel movements are not enough to let the stool pass through the intestines. It's defined as a lack of more than three bowel motions per week. Every human has a pattern of bowel movements that is both unique and ordinary. Some people experience bowel movements twice or thrice a week, while others experience them every day.
There are a variety of variables that might make it challenging to pass feces, regardless of whether you have a poor bowel pattern. Some include dry and hard stool due to decreased intake of water. Additionally, having painful bowel movements makes it even harder to pass stool. Having the impression that you haven't wholly evacuated your bowels might also make you feel constipated.
How Common Is Constipation?
Constipation accounts for one of the most commonly occurring digestive complaints in the United States. People of all ages experience this condition. It can be occasional constipation or develop into chronic constipation if not treated with the proper laxative medication.
As people get older, their digestive movements become relatively slow, their metabolism becomes sluggish, and the smooth muscle contractions in the intestines become weaker than in young people.
Pregnancy also tends to slow digestive movements because as the baby grows in the womb, they push the intestines, which as a result, slows down bowel movements. Moreover, a high-fiber diet aids the digestive tract to keep the food moving through the intestines, making it easier to pass stool. Having gastrointestinal illnesses might also affect regular bowel movements.
How Damaging Is Constipation?
Having irregular bowel movements could develop into health problems like the following:
-
Hemorrhoids are a condition that develops when the veins in the rectum are swollen.
-
An anal fissure is a tear or minor cut in the internal lining of the anus usually caused by overstretching of the anal canal trying to pass hard stool.
-
Diverticulitis is inflammation caused in intestinal pouches called diverticula due to trapped stool in the colon.
-
Fecal impaction occurs when a substantial hard mass of stool inside the intestines is challenging to push out. Fecal impaction can also cause rectal bleeding.
-
Stress urinary incontinence can occur from putting too much pressure on pelvic floor muscles by pushing stool too hard. In addition, there can be leakage of urine if the pelvic floor muscles become weak by too much strain.
What Causes Constipation?
Several things can cause constipation; for example, poor lifestyle choices or dietary habits and some medications can have adverse effects on the digestive system. Some other causes of constipation include eating a low fiber diet, decreased water intake which causes dehydration, changes in eating habits, consuming too much milk, cheese, and dairy products, stress, and resisting the bowel movement.
Several medications can cause adverse effects on bowel movements, such as heavy painkillers containing codeine or oxycodone, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, antidepressant drugs, antacids, iron tablets, antihistamines, or antiallergy medications. Additionally, certain blood pressure controlling tablets might also cause constipation.
A variety of medications can cause constipation. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor or a pharmacist before starting any treatment.
What Are Constipation Suppositories?
Suppositories are pills inserted into the rectum, vaginal canal, or urethra. The most prevalent type of suppository are rectal suppositories. However, doctors prescribe suppositories for various medical issues and objectives. Some are placed in the rectum, while others are placed in the vagina. Using urethral suppositories the least common.
There are several routes of drug administration including oral, intravenous, intramuscular, and others. Doctors use suppositories when other ways of drug administration cannot be used. A suppository is a tiny circular, elliptical, or cone-shaped pill. The drug is encased in cocoa butter, glycerin, and gelatin. Once within the body, the suppository diffuses, releasing the medication.
Research indicates that delivering medicines through the rectum creates a substantially stable environment where a drug can be administered to the body. However, absorption rates may be lower than oral medication.
Types Of Suppositories
As mentioned above, there are three types of suppositories available: Rectal suppositories, vaginal suppositories, and urethral suppositories.
Rectal Suppositories
Rectal suppositories are the medications administered through the rectum in the body. They usually measure an inch in length and have a circular tip.
Rectal suppositories are used to treat conditions such as severe constipation, high fever, hemorrhoids, nausea and motion sickness, and severe abdominal pain.
Vaginal Suppositories
Vaginal suppositories are oval-shaped and usually come with an applicator.
Doctors may use vaginal suppositories in conditions such as:
-
Bacterial or fungal infections
-
Vaginal dryness
Urethral Suppositories
Urethral suppositories are typically grain-sized and are used to administer a drug called alprostadil. These are usually used in men to treat erection problems.
Top Constipation Suppositories Picks
It can be difficult to pick amongst the many excellent suppository laxatives available such as Fleet, Dulcolax medicated Laxative Suppositories, Rite Aid, Synalax, Bisacodyl Suppository, Bisacodyl Enema, and AVEDANA. Check out these picks below.
Fleet Laxative Glycerin Suppositories
Photo source: Amazon.com
by Fleet
Fleet Glycerin Suppositories interact with the body's natural processes to relieve constipation. In addition, it helps to improve bowel movement by drawing water into the feces. Fleet Glycerin Suppositories are non-stimulant and mild.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a classic treatment option to relieve occasional constipation. Glycerin refers to the osmotic laxative family of internal medicine. Glycerin draws water into the large intestines to work and soften stool. Within 15 to 60 minutes, this impact occurs in a bowel evacuation. However, If this drug is used too often, one can lose healthy digestive function and develop a laxative dependence. If you experience any overdose symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, or fatigue, see your doctor immediately.
Glycerol or glycerin suppositories are used to provide short-term constipation relief. If you feel that the treatment is not working, consult with a doctor. Promoting healthy bowel function requires a fiber-rich diet (multi-grain breads and cereals, oats, fruit, and leafy green vegetables), several glasses of water per day, and regular exercise habits.
Features
Fleet Glycerin Suppository features the following properties:
-
Constipation can be relieved quickly and effectively with Fleet Glycerin Suppositories.
-
For simpler administration, these suppositories are infused with calming aloe vera making them easier to insert.
-
Glycerin promotes digestive movement by drawing water into feces.
-
There are made with organic ingredients and are stimulant-free.
-
This laxative provides predictable relief within 15-20 minutes.
-
It is available in different sizes and counts.
Directions For Use
Ensure that the suppository is fully inserted into the rectum. The suppository is meant to only partially melt, which might not be noticed, to create laxative activity.
Safety Use
Until a doctor recommends it, do not use it in cases of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. If it causes rectal bleeding or no bowel movement within one hour of using this medicine, stop using it and consult a doctor.
Rite Aid Laxative Glycerin Suppositories
Photo source: Amazon.com
by Rite Aid
Rite Aid has been a trusted brand since 1962. It is an American drugstore chain based in Pennsylvania. The Rite Aid laxative suppository is based on hyperosmotic activity, which attracts water and acts as a stool softener. In addition, 2g of glycerin works as an active ingredient. This glycerin suppository laxative for adults works quickly to provide gentle, efficient constipation treatment. These tabs help relieve constipation by containing only two grams of glycerin per tablet, removing any extraneous ingredients.
Features
-
Gentle and effective: Rite Aid Laxative Glycerin Suppositories provide dependable constipation relief. This stimulant, which contains two grams of glycerin per suppository, works quickly and effectively to relieve constipation.
-
Fast, complete relief: Relieves painful constipation issues in minutes. Rite Aid is around to serve you with whatever is causing your constipation. Suppositories from Rite Aid can cause digestive motions in as little as 15 minutes to an hour.
-
Easy to use: Rapidly and effectively cures constipation discomfort. Simply administer this osmotic laxative suppository into the rectum, considering that it does not need to dissolve fully to induce laxative action.
-
Low dosage: One suppository pill contains only two grams of glycerin to relieve moderate and quick constipation.
-
Each package includes 100 cleaning laxative suppositories for adults.
Directions For Use
One suppository should be inserted into the rectum. It doesn't have to dissolve fully to work as a laxative.
Safety Use
It may cause rectal discomfort or a burning feeling. If so, promptly consult with a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation H Hemorrhoid Symptom Treatment Suppositories
Photo source: Amazon.com
by Preparation H
Preparation H suppository medication is designed to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as burning, itching, pain, and swelling. It constricts veins and arteries for a short period. As a result, inflammation and irritation are reduced. Cocoa butter and mineral oils can help create a protective barrier.
Features
-
It includes 24 suppositories in each pack for quick and calming hemorrhoid treatment.
-
Internal hemorrhoids symptoms such as intense burning, itching, and discomfort can be relieved with this product.
-
Works right away to stop hemorrhoid symptoms from getting worse.
-
Internal hemorrhoid discomfort can also be effectively relieved at night.
-
Internal hemorrhoid therapy causes engorged hemorrhoidal stroma to shrink.
-
Preparation H Hemorrhoid symptom treatment is doctors' most commonly prescribed hemorrhoid therapy.
Preparation H features active ingredients such as cocoa butter and shark liver oil. The inactive ingredients in this product are corn starch, methylparaben, and propylparaben.
Cocoa Butter
Experts believe that cocoa, a brown-colored powder, is a miraculous creation of nature. It's full of bountiful deliciousness and health advantages, and one of the best therapeutic nutritious foods. Cocoa butter has several health benefits, especially for the digestive system, as it stimulates the large intestine to create bowel movements that help constipation patients relieve their symptoms.
Cocoa butter's use isn't limited to chocolate or food products. It's also found in a lot of skin lotions and moisturizers. While it's claimed to eliminate or erase stretch marks caused by pregnancy or weight gain, a new survey showed that it's no better than mediocre at descreasing the appearence of stretch marks.
Shark Liver Oil
The oil derived from the livers of sharks — particularly deep-sea sharks, basking sharks, and dogfish sharks — is known as shark liver oil (SLO). SLO's high alkylglycerol (AKG), squalene, and omega-3 content have been linked to various health benefits in studies. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to multiple biological activities, including digestion. These fatty acids have been demonstrated in several trials to assist indications of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and constipation.
These can be found in abundance in fish liver oil, obtained through food or supplements. Fish oil supplements, like any dietary supplements, should be taken carefully. Because high doses of any omega-3 fatty acid might increase the risk of bleeding, persons who bleed easily or have bleeding issues should be cautious when using it for constipation. Another disadvantage of using shark liver oil for constipation is that it might produce gas, bloating, and in some cases, diarrhea.
Directions For Use
Cleanse the afflicted region by wiping or drying it with a suitable cleansing wipe. Before inserting this product, gently clean by wiping or dabbing with a towel or a soft cloth. Remove one suppository off the strip and discard the foil wrapping before insertion into the rectum in the following manner: Hold the suppository in your hand with the rounded end facing up. Gently detach foil tabs as illustrated by putting the base of a fingernail at the "peel down" back. Peel the layers apart slowly and carefully.
Safety Use
This hemorrhoid symptom treatment suppository is only for rectal use. Consult your doctor when using this product for patients with heart illness, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or problems urinating due to prostate gland hypertrophy. If you are currently taking prescription medicine for hypertension or depression, consult your doctor or pharmacist when using this product. Unless ordered by a doctor, do not overdo the suggested daily dosage when taking this product.
If bleeding occurs, the condition worsens, or the situation does not resolve within seven days, discontinue use and consult a doctor. Before using, consult a health expert if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep out of children's reach. If you accidentally ingest a suppository, get medical attention or visit a Poison Control Center immediately. For your safety, each item is separately tightly sealed. If the foil stamped "Preparation H" is broken or damaged, do not use it.
NutraBlast Disposable Vaginal Suppository Applicators
Photo source: Amazon.com
by NutraBlast
NutraBlast disposable vaginal suppository applicators have a silky feel to them. There are no sharp edges that irritate or harm you. The hole is large enough to hold any size suppository without being excessively large. Individually wrapped applicators are easily separated. These applicators are used to treat various vaginal infections by efficiently administering creams, ointments, medications, and vaginal suppositories into the vagina.
Features
-
This versatile silicone medical design could be used for boric acid and tea tree suppositories and fits most shapes and sizes. It provides effortless usage.
-
With this clean and safe vaginal suppository applicator, customers may comfortably administer any vaginal suppository.
-
Women who have an imbalanced pH, vaginal dryness, and other health disorders will benefit from this product. NutraBlast vaginal suppository applicators are quick and easy to use.
-
This product supports self-care routines for women.
Directions For Use
Anyone may administer a vaginal suppository by following these steps. Users can also use these methods to provide a suppository to another individual as a caretaker or nurse.
-
Use gentle soap and warm water to wash your genital area and hands, then dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
-
Pull the suppository from its packaging.
-
Attach the suppository to the applicator's end. Skip this step if you're using a pre-filled suppository applicator. This is because medicines are already present in a pre-filled applicator.
-
Always hold the applicator gently from its end.
-
Place yourself in the appropriate position. Choose to lie down with the knees bent or squat with feet a few inches wide. The first position described above is always helpful for caregivers or nurses.
-
Gently push the applicator inside the vagina.
-
Plunge the applicator as far as it will go. This will force the suppository deep into the vaginal canal.
-
When done, pull back the applicator from the vagina.
-
If the applicator is washable, follow the product directions for cleaning it. If it can't be reused, toss it in the trash.
Vaginal suppositories are better to use at night time because they could leak. To prevent the leakage, consider wearing a sanitary napkin. Additionally, it is safe to use a vaginal suppository during periods. While using a vaginal suppository, avoid using tampons. Some of the drugs can be absorbed by the tampons. This can make it difficult for the suppository to effectively function.
Final Thoughts
As discussed, suppositories exist for many reasons and serve several functions. Though it can seem a bit scary or overwhelming to place a suppository, as long as you remain calm and follow the given instructions, this form of medication can be quick and useful.
