Laxatives not habit forming, says study

Constipation is a very common condition among Filipinos. Unfortunately, like other constipation sufferers around the globe, Filipinos are still unaware of the real causes of this condition and its corresponding laxative treatment.

According to the 2006 Epidemiology Survey, the latest large-scale global survey conducted across four continents, people still perceive laxatives as habit-forming and that its long-term use can trigger constipation.

One of the authors of the study, Prof. Müller-Lissner, a leading gastroenterologist and professor at Hunboldt University in Germany said, "Constipation sufferers should be reassured that they will not become dependent on laxatives."

"Clinical studies and extensive experience show that laxatives such as bisacodyl and sodium picosulphate are not addictive and can be trusted as safe and effective treatments," he said.

Sufferers just need to be properly informed and assured of how contact laxatives like Dulcolax work in a person’s digestive system.

Dr. Stuart Ferguson, an addiction specialist, said, "Addiction to a medicine can only happen when it affects the brain – this is the case with nicotine and alcohol. Dulcolax, however, does not affect the brain and therefore cannot be addictive."

A survey of 1,400 people in seven countries also found that 90 percent of people with constipation consider nutrition and stress to be the most common cause of constipation. However, a recently published review contradicts such beliefs, and reports that diet and lifestyle should not be assumed to be the major causes of constipation.

Despite these misconceptions, many of those surveyed believed that laxatives such as Dulcolax are effective and can help relieve their condition.

Dulcolax has proven safety and efficacy in treating constipation. Its active ingredient, bisacodyl, gently stimulates the large intestine to resume its natural movement or peristalsis to safely induce bowel movement.

Dulcolax also attracts water to accumulate and soften the hardened stools, making them easy to pass for constipation sufferers.

"I have been prescribing Dulcolax to my patients for quite some time now because I know it effectively relieves delayed bowel movement. Although home remedies are quite popular among Filipinos, the best treatment for irregular bowel movement is by taking a trusted contact laxative," said Dr. Benjamin Gerardo Perez, a fellow of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology.