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What Are Laxatives?

en español

Laxantes

Laxatives

Say: LAK-suh-tivs

Laxatives are medicines that help you out when your bowels aren't moving. This is called constipation (say: kon-stuh-PAY-shun). Constipation can be bad for your body, so a doctor may tell you to take a laxative to move things along.

A KidsHealth Education Partner Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.