Hi, I have recently had an upset stomach that caused a bout of diarrhea and nausea just the day before I travelled to Majorca for a week's holiday. Since getting here I have felt better and started to get my appetite back but I have now gone constipated for 3 days!
Has anyone ever taken a dose of Senna whilst on Sotalol and/or Apixaban? Any side effects or safety recommendations?
Any other laxative recommended?
Well unfortunately I have to take a weekly laxative. I have a bowel disorder of paralysed motility. I take one dulcolax, it is a stimulant laxative like senna. There are other laxative types less harsh. Many can be bought in a chemist.
I am on rivaroxaban which is a similar anticoagulant to apixaban. If you were concerned re bleeding I have only once had a slight issue over many years.
What you do need to be careful of is dehydration caused by the laxative drawing water to your bowel. It can deplete electrolytes and especially reduced magnesium and potassium isnt good for arrhythmias. Taking a sachet of diaroalyte can help if it becomes a concern. Obviously natural methods are best like prunes for example to reduce the need for a medicinal laxative. Drink plenty of water too. A different diet and water in another country can cause a temporary bowel change. Best wishes.
Best to find a pharmacy with someone who speaks English (or take someone along with you who ca translate and ask for advice on which laxative is safest to take in your situation.
Good old fashioned prunes every day - they work in similar way to laxatives by drawing water into the stool.
Laxido/Cosmocol or one I can’t remember the name of - draws water into stool but replaces electrolytes at the same time, very gentle and doesn’t cause urgency. Not a ‘quick fix’ though.
Apixaban was prescribed for me , but a week after taking it my body reacted with intense heat and scratching as if I had been stung with nettles … They changed me to Adoxipan with no further issues
I take
Apixaban 5mg - twice x a day
Entresto 49mg/51mg twice x a day
Bisoprolol 2.5mg
Furosemide 20mg
Spironolactone 25mg
Atorvastatin 20mg
Dapagliflozin 10mg
Not sure which one causes the constipation (if any) but I take 'Dioctyl' 2 x 100mg twice a day, recommended by the heart specialist nurse and prescribed by my GP, its safe and its good.
My history is heart failure and AF had Cardio Version after 4 months returned to Sinus, then went back to AF. 8 weeks ago Pacemaker fitted, 2 weeks ago AV Node Ablation, feeling better than I have for a long while but still a ways to go yet .......
Hope that helps
Ray
5mg Apixaban twice daily plus a number of other prescribed drugs including 20mg Atorvastatin which I suspect causes occasional constipation. Take 5mg of Dulcolax when required with no noted problems. GP is aware of usage & seemed unconcerned.
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