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Most people think of laxatives and stool softeners as harmless aids for occasional constipation. They sit on drugstore shelves right beside vitamins and antacids, which makes them appear safe enough for everyday use.

Yet hidden behind their gentle image is a serious health risk. Overuse of laxatives and stool softeners can upset the body’s electrolyte balance, creating the perfect setup for dangerous heart-rhythm problems.

Stool softeners like docusate sodium (Colace) work by pulling water and fats into the stool, while laxatives come in several forms, from osmotic types such as polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX); to stimulant products like senna (Senokot) and bisacodyl (Dulcolax); saline agents such as magnesium citrate; and bulk-forming fibers like psyllium (Metamucil).

Taken occasionally, these remedies are usually effective and harmless. Taken every day, however, they can rob your body of essential minerals — what I call the “drug mugging” effect — a well-documented form of nutrient depletion.

The nutrients most at risk are electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride and phosphate. Stool softeners may also reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.

Your heart depends on these minerals to keep its rhythm steady. When potassium or magnesium levels fall, the electrical system becomes unstable, and the heart can slip into arrhythmias.

Electrolytes shift quietly, so you won’t notice unless you get a cramp, start to crave salt or get fatigued. Other symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include confusion, headaches, nausea and vomiting.

If depletion becomes more severe, the heart begins to misfire. Now you may notice palpitations, dizziness or feeling faint. The most feared rhythm problem is called torsades de pointes, which can quickly spiral into ventricular fibrillation, a chaotic rhythm that can be fatal.

Check with your doctor

What can you do if you rely on these medications? First, do not ignore symptoms. If you develop sudden palpitations, dizziness, chest pain or fainting, go directly to the emergency room.

If you use these drugs more than occasionally, ask your physician to check your electrolytes with a blood test. Replenishing nutrients is essential. Electrolyte powders or oral rehydration salts may be useful for ongoing support.

Your body is not constipated because it is short on laxatives. Treating constipation with daily pills while ignoring nutrition and hydration is like patching a leak with tape instead of fixing the pipe.

I have more information on this subject at drugmuggers.com, where you can personally search any medication you take.

For more detailed health tips and the full version of this article, visit suzycohen.com and sign up for my free newsletter.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.  

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.