Laxative abuse is found in individuals suffering from eating disorders. In addition, the elderly population and others may unintentionally abuse laxatives unaware of the side effects. Hence it is important to recognize the intake of this group of medications and include it on differential when patients complain of diarrhea.

Excessive use of laxatives causes abnormal bowel habits such as large frequent bowel movements that can even occur nocturnally. These can be very watery due to the inadequate absorption of water. The presentation includes electrolyte and mineral imbalances. It is important to recognize that the body has specific requirements for sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous. These are utilized for nerves and muscles especially the heart. Thus a disturbance in the balance can produce critical outcomes such as cardiac arrhythmias, which stem from marked hypokalemia. Dehydration is another profound finding which can result in malaise, weight loss, impaired vision, tremors, and organ damage. Rehydration is crucial as this is potentially fatal.

In patients who use laxatives chronically, dependency is seen as the colon needs increased amounts of laxatives to respond. Further issues with chronic use is the loss of normal functions which can lead to constipation, or "reflex constipation". Complications of abuse include infection of the colon and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Also hepatic damage can occur albeit rarely. Chronic intake may be associated with colonic cancer risk.

Physical signs include pigmentation of the skin, edema, suggestive findings of dehydration, abdominal distension, and possibly even cachexia.

• Weight Loss

  Your Video is Loading Now Playing Clip 1 of 9 Laxatives: A Dangerous New Weight-Loss Trend, Pt 1 Dr. Oz addresses the growing trend of women misusing laxatives to lose weight. [doctoroz.com]

  Any resulting “weight loss” is actually temporary water weight due to this loss of essential fluids. These pounds are put right back on within 48 hours once the person rehydrates. [mentalhelp.net]

  Therefore, weight loss associated with laxative use is "water weight," and is only temporary. The weight is regained as soon as the person re-hydrates. [goaskalice.columbia.edu]

  There may also be abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and hypokalemia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Fatigue

  Many of the side effects of laxative abuse, for example low mood, bloating, feeling fat, fatigue are all common triggers for bingeing. [bulimiafree.com]

  • Fatigue and lethargy • Malabsorption (which can cause deformed bone development.) [allianceforeatingdisorders.com]

  Anemia is one of the most common side effects of iron deficiency that can lead to weakness and fatigue. Poor diet, blood loss, trauma and surgery can lead to an iron deficiency. Anemia from laxative abuse can cause an iron deficiency. [livestrong.com]

  […] through this process, the body is also losing essential nutrients through excessive laxative use as well, which can result in a myriad of health consequences, including: Dehydration Electrolyte/mineral imbalances Gastrointestinal disturbances Weakness Fatigue [addictionhope.com]

• Inflammation

  […] laxative abuse GI tract A phenomenon often accompanied by factitious diarrhea found in ± 4% of new Pts seen by gastroenterologists and up to 20% of those evaluated in a tertiary referral center Clinical Finger clubbing, skin hyperpigmentation, colonic inflammation [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  […] include: Abdominal pain Diarrhea – Repeated use can cause a person to lose control of the rectum Dehydration Constipation Bloating Gas Tremors Vomiting Fainting Weakness Blurred vision Muscle spasms Heart arrhythmia and Heart attack Intestinal paralysis Inflammation [mentalhelp.net]

  Some studies even suggest that abusing laxatives increases the risk of colon cancer, the idea being that long-time inflammation ups the odds that cells will develop abnormally during the healing process. 8. [mydiet.com]

  Studies have also suggested that laxative abuse can increase the risk of bowel tumours and colon cancer, as the increased inflammation and irritation caused by the laxatives increases the odds that cells will develop abnormalities. [bulimiafree.com]

  […] hypokalaemia has been associated with distal renal tubular acidosis from laxative abuse. [23] Metabolic alkalosis is the most common acid-base imbalance observed. [23] Other significant adverse effects include rhabdomyolysis, [23] steatorrhoea, [23] inflammation [en.wikipedia.org]

• Diarrhea

  Abstract Laxative abuse is an uncommon but clinically important cause of chronic diarrhea, a condition often associated with other gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as with disturbances in electrolyte and acid-base balance. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Excessive use of laxatives results in osmotic or secretory diarrhea. Osmotic diarrhea is due to agents such a magnesium sulfate, sodium phosphate, or nonabsorbable sugars. [symptoma.com]

  It manifests commonly as watery diarrhea caused by self-medication or as apparent diarrhea caused by adding various fluids to stool. [tipsdiscover.com]

• Nausea

  There may also be abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and hypokalemia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Some of the symptoms of dehydration include: Dry mouth and lips Lack of urine, sweat, and tears Muscle cramps Nausea Weakness Shaking Blurred vision Feeling faint or fainting Coma Because it can damage the kidneys and even be fatal, severe dehydration [teeneatingdisorders.us]

  Vomiting and nausea, mood shifts, fatigue and cramps are just some of the early warning signs. 7. [mydiet.com]

  Various complications of diet pill use include insomnia, nausea, raised blood pressure, diarrhea, rash, lung and heart complications, and anxiety. [casapalmera.com]

• Chronic Diarrhea

  Abstract Laxative abuse is an uncommon but clinically important cause of chronic diarrhea, a condition often associated with other gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as with disturbances in electrolyte and acid-base balance. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  History Suspicion in patients with undiagnosed chronic diarrhea, especially when refractory; some patients may not be aware of the association of these over-the-counter medications with chronic diarrhea. [tipsdiscover.com]

  Patients who consume excessive quantities of laxatives may complain of chronic diarrhea or may present with illnesses caused by electrolyte deficiencies. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Algorithm: Diarrhea, Chronic 305.90 Other, mixed, or unspecified drug abuse, unspecified use 280982009 Abuse of laxatives (disorder) 27051000119102 Chronic abuse of laxatives (disorder) ... Laxative abuse may be intentional or unintentional. [5minuteconsult.com]

  POTENTIAL HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF LAXATIVE ABUSE Tremors Bloating Weakness Nausea Dehydration Water retention Colon infection Electrolyte imbalance Organ damage Severe abdominal pain Chronic Diarrhea Gas Blurry vision Electrolyte Disturbances Chronic Constipation [transformationmemphis.com]

• Explosive Diarrhea

  It should be noted that many laxatives can cause a great deal of abdominal discomfort, ranging from gassiness, to bloating and explosive diarrhea. [randyschellenberg.tripod.com]

  I never did abuse laxatives for extended periods (didn't like the sudden explosive diarrhea and cramps), so I'm afraid I'm not much help here. [healthboards.com]

• Steatorrhea

  GI tract A phenomenon often accompanied by factitious diarrhea found in ± 4% of new Pts seen by gastroenterologists and up to 20% of those evaluated in a tertiary referral center Clinical Finger clubbing, skin hyperpigmentation, colonic inflammation, steatorrhea [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

• Hypertension

  Interrelationships of Medical Dx Hypertension  CKD Stage III   Anemia  Osteoporosis    Increased Age Fluid Restriction Small Stature Mobility  Depression    Chronic Constipation  Laxative Abuse? 5. [slideshare.net]

  Conn's syndrome with severe hypertension. Lancet. 1956 Jan 21; 270 (6908):127–132. [ PubMed ] PERKINS JG, PETERSEN AB, RILEY JA. Renal and cardiac lesions in potassium deficiency due to chronic diarrhea. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Cardiac complications of prolonged hypokalaemia include ventricular arrhythmias and hypertension. Neuromuscular manifestations include muscle weakness and cramps as well as an increased incidence of rhabdomyolysis. [ndt.oxfordjournals.org]

• Hypotension

  Two of the seven instances of acute renal failure occurred after surgical intervention without any documented renal insults such as transient hypotension. [ndt.oxfordjournals.org]

  Presentation is diverse and may be nonspecific, including weight loss, weakness, and hypotension without acknowledgment of diarrhea. Consider the diagnosis in patients with watery diarrhea, especially when unexplained or refractory. Related [tipsdiscover.com]

  […] more effective than lactulose. [22] Problems with use [ edit ] Laxative abuse [ edit ] Some of the less significant adverse effects of laxative abuse include dehydration (which causes tremors, weakness, fainting, blurred vision, kidney damages,...), hypotension [en.wikipedia.org]

• Heart Disease

  We have heard this song and dance for 8 years now when he first started losing weight to prevent the heart disease that runs in our family. To say anything about his eating causes an explosion of anger. [healthquestions.medhelp.org]

  Hypermagnesemia predicts mortality in elderly with congestive heart disease: relationship with laxative and antacid use. Rejuvenation Res 2008; 11: 129–38 PubMed CrossRef Google Scholar 96. Sebastian AN, Hulter HN, Rector BC. Metabolic alkalosis. [link.springer.com]

• Dizziness

  Symptoms of dehydration range from dizziness, weakness, confusion, fainting, and prolonged dehydration can lead to death. [eatingdisorderhope.com]

  Common complaints experienced during the abuse of diet pills included dizziness, jitteriness, insomnia, and high blood pressure. [angelfire.com]

  Dizziness Laxative use can cause dizziness. Again, this side effect is usually caused by dehydration. 8. Electrolyte Imbalance & Dehydration Electrolytes are important to the functioning human body. [fitday.com]

  You will then get dizzy and even faint from the lack of iron in your blood. Headaches and leg pain may develop and you may experience angina, or chest pain, as the condition progresses. [livestrong.com]

• Insomnia

  Various complications of diet pill use include insomnia, nausea, raised blood pressure, diarrhea, rash, lung and heart complications, and anxiety. [casapalmera.com]

  Common complaints experienced during the abuse of diet pills included dizziness, jitteriness, insomnia, and high blood pressure. [angelfire.com]

• Renal Injury

  We have described five patients with the laxative abuse syndrome associated with significant renal injury and electrolyte disorders. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Renal injury associated laxative abuse. Southern Med J 1987 ; 80 : 1304 –1306 © 1999 European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association [ndt.oxfordjournals.org]

  "Renal failure associated with laxative abuse". Psychother Psychosom. 62 (3–4): 200–2. doi : 10.1159/000098619. PMID 7531354. ^ Wright LF, DuVal JW (1987). "Renal injury associated with laxative abuse". [en.wikipedia.org]

  Renal injury associated with laxative abuse. South Med J 1987; 80: 1304–6 PubMed CrossRef Google Scholar 93. Vanderperren B, Rizzo M, Angenot L, et al. Acute liver failure with renal impairment related to the abuse of senna anthraquinone glycosides. [link.springer.com]

• Kidney Failure

  Medical experts warn that laxative abuse can cause diarrhoea, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can lead to kidney failure. It can also damage the liver and potentially damage the heart leading to heart failure and death. [dailymail.co.uk]

  failure Urinary tract infections Increased risk of colon cancer… 4. [mentalhelp.net]

  This can lead to serious kidney damage which affects other parts of the body due to toxins not being flushed out. Ultimately it can lead to complete kidney failure and comprises the health of the whole body. Laxative Abuse Danger #6. [bulimiafree.com]

• Renal Insufficiency

  Laxative-induced hypokalemia and volume depletion have been previously reported to cause renal insufficiency, but not severe enough to require hemodialysis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  A prior episode of hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis at age 23 had resulted in only mild renal insufficiency. Her later episode of severe renal failure was linked to profound volume depletion (blood urea nitrogen 135 mg/dl). [karger.com]

   Current medical diagnoses: Small bowel obstruction d/t adhesions, chronic renal insufficiency, chronic constipation/obstipation 3. [slideshare.net]

A thorough history and physical is essential. Also the clinician should exclude other causes of chronic diarrhea. In all patients, especially the elderly, it is pertinent to screen for all medications. 

Laboratory studies includes complete metabolic panel to assess for electrolytes and minerals. Also these will help the clinician to identify acid base disorders. Other tests include a complete blood count (CBC) and a stool culture to rule out infections when still in the initial phases of workup. 

Urinalysis with titers for magnesium, phosphate, bisacodyl, senna, and cascara to detect laxative products. However, be aware that certain assays have not been reliable [14]. Further urine studies include urine volume and electrolytes to determine the volume status and the degree of dehydration. Finally, stool studies investigating the amount of sodium and potassium, pH, and laxative titers are also useful. 

• Colitis

  Keywords Ulcerative Colitis Irritable Bowel Syndrome Anorexia Nervosa Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Sulphasalazine These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. [link.springer.com]

  This may include anything from indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, and more severe disorders, such as Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and more. [addictionhope.com]

Urgent treatment:

• If life threatening presentation, check for ABCs; monitor oxygen
• Cautiously replace electrolytes and minerals
• Address dehydration
• Treat any complication (such as arrhythmias) 

Discontinuation of the laxative(s) and restoration of normal gastrointestinal functions are key. A detailed discussion with the patients to ascertain their thoughts and attitudes regarding what regularity of bowel movements means is necessary. In addition, educating patients regarding normal bowel function and habits is important to help them avoid further abuse. 

Since patients may have an underlying eating disorder, this should be addressed. Long term psychotherapy should be established. Individuals suffering from eating disorders are apprehensive about discontinuing intake of laxatives due to the possible water retention and weight gain. This warrants a discussion on the effects of the medicine and the aftermath of discontinuation. Patients with chronic constipation should be evaluated for underlying diseases and conditions. Hence, treating the etiology may improve constipation overall. 

There are treatment regimens outlining how to discontinue the intake of laxatives. One study [15] closely supervised a withdrawal regimen that consisted of discontinuing of all laxatives but replaced them with docusate, psyllium, fruit lax, and other natural foods. A combination of Magnolax and cascara was also prescribed. Furthermore, patients were provided with education about healthy diets and gastrointestinal habits. Of the 7 patients who completed the study, 5 reduced their laxative intake by 50%.

Another protocol [16] called for stopping laxatives abruptly and immediately in which patients utilized non laxative therapies such as bulk forming liquids, stool softeners, and gylcerin suppositories for bowel function, in addition to education. There was success in 57% of patients who were able to abstain from laxatives.

The long term prognosis of these patients is not known. There are no studies regarding follow up on individuals abusing laxatives. A minority of patients discontinue laxatives. However, most continue usage of these medications chronically and are likely to develop lifelong effects. Individuals with eating disorders may not disclose the laxative habit which can delay the diagnosis and treatment. 

Excessive use of laxatives results in osmotic or secretory diarrhea. Osmotic diarrhea is due to agents such a magnesium sulfate, sodium phosphate, or nonabsorbable sugars. Secretory diarrhea is secondary to use of bile salts, castor oil, or docusate. 

There are unintentional excessive users such as those with chronic constipation or those who do not have understanding of what normal bowel habits are. An important etiological factor is the psychiatric component of the abuse. Patients with eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa commonly use laxatives. In addition to eating disorders, there are other associated psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, borderline personality, suicidal behaviors and Munchausen Syndrome with or without proxy.

General population: The lifetime occurrence of laxative abuse is 4.18% [1].

Studies investigating laxative abuse in eating disorders are dependent on self reporting. This limits the accuracy. In addition, literature uses varied definitions of what laxative abuse constitutes. Therefore, the true data is not fully established. Nevertheless, there are studies that have investigated the prevalence among different groups. 

Bulimia nervosa: The lifetime occurrence in those suffering from this disease is approximately 15% [1]. This number conflicts with other studies in which the prevalence is estimated to range from 18% to 75% [2] [3] [4]. One study [5] found that 36% of the bulimic patients in the study used excessive amounts of laxatives for weight control. Another study reported 67% of bulimic subjects abused laxatives to eliminate consumed food and weight control [6]. In addition, the prevalence between various eating disorders may differ. One study explored two eating disorder groups: 1) eating disorder not otherwise specified, purging type and 2) bulimia nervosa, the purging subtype. 86% of individuals in group one abused laxatives versus 38% in group two [7].

Anorexia nervosa: One study investigated the use of laxative by two modes, self reporting and urinalysis studies. The researchers demonstrated a prevalence of 12% in patients with self reporting and 19% in patients with both self reporting and urinalysis [8].

Constipation: This is very common in the elderly as exhibited by prevalence of 50%. This number is actually greater in nursing homes [9] [10] [11]. Since many patients use over the counter laxatives to treat their constipation, they do not seek medical treatment. So the numbers of constipated individuals using laxatives are not fully established.

Overall, the prevalence of laxative abuse is difficult to elucidate because this condition is underdiagnosed and underidentified. Sometimes it is a diagnosis of exclusion [12] [13]. 

The mechanism of action of laxatives occurs at the large bowel hence disturbing the absorption of water and electrolytes. Note that nutrients and fats are absorbed in small bowel before the food contents reaches the large intestine.

Excessive intake of laxative agents causes diarrhea, which has consequences such as severe imbalance in electrolytes and hypovolemia. Hypokalemia in chronic diarrhea leads to inhibition of bicarbonate secretion and therefore produces metabolic alkalosis. Hypovolemia in acute diarrhea can result in metabolic acidosis. These manifestations are potentially life threatening. 

There is a reported case of congestive heart failure (CHF) in a 60 year old woman who presented with hypokalemia (potassium 2.6 mmol/L) and malaise. Her list of active medications included phenolphthalein and rhubarb. Potassium replacement was initiated and laxatives were discontinued. Edema, weight gain, dyspnea all emerged over the next 10 days. She developed CHF as evidenced by symptoms and chest X-rays. The patient was subsequently treated with loop diuretics and a beta blocker and recovery occurred over the following 2 weeks.

In the above case, the clinical picture is due to sodium and water loss secondary to diarrhea. This volume depletion caused and activation in the renin and aldosterone (secondary hyperaldosteronism) system. Hence the water retention that was observed in CHF.

Patient education should be provided regarding:

• Normal bowel habits
• Side effects regarding the incorrect use of laxatives
• Alternatives

Also address constipation issues and encourage water intake and foods containing fiber. 

Laxative abuse is observed in individuals seeking weight loss due to the misconception that these medications eliminate caloric intake. This is also prevalent in patients suffering from eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa or self-treating their constipation. Furthermore, many hold incorrect perceptions regarding normal bowel function and habits and thus believe they need laxatives to maintain regularity. 

The exact prevalence of laxative use and abuse is not fully established since this diagnosis is underidentified. Also many people self medicate their constipation and therefore these numbers are not documented. 

Regardless of the reason people choose to abuse laxatives, the effects can be devastating. The resultant diarrhea can cause severe electrolyte and mineral imbalance. Subsequently, this leads to the impairment of the normal physiology.

Laxative abuse should be on the list of differential diagnoses in all patients with diarrhea, especially in the elderly and individuals suspected to suffer from psychological disorders. Hence, reviewing the list of medications should be a step in the evaluation as well.

Treatment includes discontinuation of the medication. In patients with eating disorders, psychiatric evaluation and treatment is necessary for their overall well being. Patient education regarding normal bowel habits, side effects of laxatives, and alternatives should be a component of patient management. 

Laxative abuse is common among people seeking to lose weight and those taking over the counter laxatives for self diagnosed constipation. There is a common misconception that laxatives help with weight loss.

Laxatives work in the colon, or the lower digestive tract. By the time food reaches the lower digestive tract, all the nutrients and facts have already been extracted from the body. The calories are absorbed. Therefore, laxatives do not reduce calories or weight, they cause loss of water, sodium, potassium, and other very important substances required by the body. 

There are medical complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (this is due to diarrhea), heart problems, blood loss in the stool, and even constipation (due to the colon losing ability to function properly).

There are recommendations to prevent constipation:

• Stop the use of laxatives.
• Drink at least 6 cups of water per day.
• Avoid foods and drinks that can cause constipation such as caffeinated beverages .
• Eat throughout the day. Eat at least 3 meals at regular intervals.
• Increase fiber intake. Foods that contains fiber are fruit, vgetables, bran and whole grains. Prunes can also help. 
• Seek medical care if unable to have a bowel movement in 3 days

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