Constipation happens when stool takes longer to move through the digestive tract and becomes hard and dry, which reduces how often you have a bowel movement. It is a very common, and usually occasional, discomfort.
Common causes
- Not drinking enough water
- A low-fiber diet
- Low physical activity
- Changes in routine, such as traveling
- Delaying the urge to go
How a saline laxative works
Saline laxatives, such as magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), draw water into the intestine, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. They usually produce a bowel movement within half an hour to 6 hours, so they are meant for occasional relief, not prolonged daily use.
Products that can help
MAGSOKON is a saline laxative based on magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) indicated for relief of occasional constipation. Always follow the dose stated on the label.
When to see a doctor
- If you have kidney disease or follow a magnesium-restricted diet, check with your doctor before use
- If abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting appear
- If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts more than 2 weeks
- If there is rectal bleeding, or if you do not have a bowel movement after using the laxative, stop use and call your doctor right away
- If symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of home care
