Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation. They're often used if lifestyle changes, such as increasing the amount of fibre in your diet, drinking plenty of fluid and taking regular exercise, have not helped.

What happens when you take a laxative?

Stimulant laxatives – these stimulate the digestive tract walls, speeding up bowel movements. Usually, they take effect within 6-12 hours. Stool softener laxatives – these decrease the surface tension of stools so that they absorb more water, making them softer.

Do laxatives get rid of all the poop?

Laxatives flush water and waste from the intestine, but they do not flush calories from the body. Constipation. With laxative abuse, the intestines lose muscle and nerve response. The intestines then become dilated and ineffective in moving stool out.