Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTop 4 Laxative OptionsWhich Are Recommended?Other Types of LaxativesSide EffectsLaxative SafetyOther Ways to Treat Constipation
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Top 4 Laxative Options
Which Are Recommended?
Other Types of Laxatives
Side Effects
Laxative Safety
Other Ways to Treat Constipation
If you are experiencingconstipation, you may have tried lifestyle changes, such as eating more fiber and increasing your fluids. However, if these fail to provide relief, you may be considering laxative options.
There are various types of laxatives, and they work in different ways. For example, some soften the stool, while others help the lower intestines eliminate stool.
The four main types of laxatives found over the counter (without a prescription) are:
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1. Bulk-Forming Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives add fiber to the stool, helping the stool absorb more water. This leads to stools that are larger, softer, and easier to pass.
Bulk-forming laxatives are considered the safest type of laxative. Examples of bulk-forming laxatives areMetamucil, FiberCon, andCitrucel.
Experts recommend starting with a lower dose and slowly increasing as needed until you get the desired results. Drink plenty of fluids while taking a bulk-forming laxative.
When used for occasionalconstipation, products like Metamucil can take anywhere from 12 hours to three days to work. While your body adjusts to the fiber, you may experience some mild side effects such as bloating or changes in bowel habits.
2. Osmotic Laxatives
However, sometimes they may not help symptoms like pain and bloating, and may even worsen these symptoms. Experts recommend starting with a lower dose, and slowly increasing as needed until you see desired results.MiraLax(polyethylene glycol 3350) is a commonly used osmotic laxative.
MiraLaxmay take two to four days to result in bowel movement. Common side effects of MiraLax include nausea, bloating, cramping, and gas.
3. Stimulant Laxatives
Stimulant laxativesstimulate the walls of the large intestine, causing them to contract, and produce bowel movements. Examples of stimulant laxatives includeSenokot(senna) and Dulcolax (bisacodyl).
Stimulant laxatives are generally recommended for use only for short periods of time. Taking them for longer can affect the bowel’s function, which can actually worsen constipation.
4. Stool Softeners
Stool softeners help bring fluid into the stools, making them softer and easier to pass. Colace (docusate) is a commonly used stool softener.Stool softeners are sometimes used after birth or after surgery.
Side effects may include nausea and stomach discomfort or cramping. Stool softeners generally take one to three days to start working.
Which Laxatives Do Experts Recommend?
There is little clinical data on treating occasional constipation—most data focus on people with ongoing constipation.
An international team of experts, however, offers some general recommendations for treating occasional constipation:
How Long Does It Take OTC Laxatives to Work?
Different laxatives work in different ways, with some working faster and others more slowly. Of the four types of laxatives discussed above:
In addition to the four types of laxatives outlined above, there are several other kinds of laxatives. Other OTC laxatives include:
Combination LaxativesSome products contain two different types of laxatives in one. These are called combination laxatives. Check the label before purchasing a laxative to make sure you select the correct one. If you are not sure, check with the pharmacist.
Combination Laxatives
Some products contain two different types of laxatives in one. These are called combination laxatives. Check the label before purchasing a laxative to make sure you select the correct one. If you are not sure, check with the pharmacist.
Do Laxatives Cause Side Effects?
Like any medication, laxatives can cause side effects. While different laxatives have different side effect profiles, some general side effects associated with laxatives are:
Serious side effects can occur in some cases, including in people who misuse oroveruse laxatives. For example, some people fall into a pattern of taking laxatives at higher than recommended doses or for longer periods than recommended and then become dependent on laxatives. Others use laxatives to try to lose weight, but laxatives do not help people lose weight.
Serious side effects that may occur include:
Tips for Taking Laxatives Safely
Here are some tips to take laxatives safely:
Sometimes, constipation may be related to another medical problem. Constipation may last for a short time or a long time.Many things can contribute to or cause constipation, including:
To treat or prevent constipation, it’s important to address the underlying reason.
You can make certain lifestyle changes that can help, including:
Summary
Before taking a laxative, it’s important to try lifestyle changes such as increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, and exercising regularly. There are various types of laxatives that can effectively treat constipation. Each type works differently and each should be used cautiously.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cornell Health.Laxative use: what to know.American Academy of Family Physicians.Laxatives: OTC Products for Constipation.DailyMed.Metamucil.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc.Laxatives.MedlinePlus.Polyethylene Glycol 3350.American College of Gastroenterology.Constipation and defecation problems overview.MedlinePlus.Stool softeners.Brenner DM, Corsetti M, Drossman D, et al.Perceptions, Definitions, and Therapeutic Interventions for Occasional Constipation: A Rome Working Group Consensus Document.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.2024;22(2):397-412. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2023.08.044MedlinePlus.Magnesium hydroxide.DailyMed.Mineral oil enema.DailyMed.Mineral oil liquid.DailyMed.Glycerin suppository.DailyMed.Linzess.DailyMed.Amitiza.DailyMed.Trulance.DailyMed.Motegrity.DailyMed.Movantik.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for constipation.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of constipation.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cornell Health.Laxative use: what to know.American Academy of Family Physicians.Laxatives: OTC Products for Constipation.DailyMed.Metamucil.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc.Laxatives.MedlinePlus.Polyethylene Glycol 3350.American College of Gastroenterology.Constipation and defecation problems overview.MedlinePlus.Stool softeners.Brenner DM, Corsetti M, Drossman D, et al.Perceptions, Definitions, and Therapeutic Interventions for Occasional Constipation: A Rome Working Group Consensus Document.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.2024;22(2):397-412. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2023.08.044MedlinePlus.Magnesium hydroxide.DailyMed.Mineral oil enema.DailyMed.Mineral oil liquid.DailyMed.Glycerin suppository.DailyMed.Linzess.DailyMed.Amitiza.DailyMed.Trulance.DailyMed.Motegrity.DailyMed.Movantik.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for constipation.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of constipation.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cornell Health.Laxative use: what to know.American Academy of Family Physicians.Laxatives: OTC Products for Constipation.DailyMed.Metamucil.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc.Laxatives.MedlinePlus.Polyethylene Glycol 3350.American College of Gastroenterology.Constipation and defecation problems overview.MedlinePlus.Stool softeners.Brenner DM, Corsetti M, Drossman D, et al.Perceptions, Definitions, and Therapeutic Interventions for Occasional Constipation: A Rome Working Group Consensus Document.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.2024;22(2):397-412. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2023.08.044MedlinePlus.Magnesium hydroxide.DailyMed.Mineral oil enema.DailyMed.Mineral oil liquid.DailyMed.Glycerin suppository.DailyMed.Linzess.DailyMed.Amitiza.DailyMed.Trulance.DailyMed.Motegrity.DailyMed.Movantik.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for constipation.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of constipation.
Cornell Health.Laxative use: what to know.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Laxatives: OTC Products for Constipation.
DailyMed.Metamucil.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc.Laxatives.
MedlinePlus.Polyethylene Glycol 3350.
American College of Gastroenterology.Constipation and defecation problems overview.
MedlinePlus.Stool softeners.
Brenner DM, Corsetti M, Drossman D, et al.Perceptions, Definitions, and Therapeutic Interventions for Occasional Constipation: A Rome Working Group Consensus Document.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.2024;22(2):397-412. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2023.08.044
MedlinePlus.Magnesium hydroxide.
DailyMed.Mineral oil enema.
DailyMed.Mineral oil liquid.
DailyMed.Glycerin suppository.
DailyMed.Linzess.
DailyMed.Amitiza.
DailyMed.Trulance.
DailyMed.Motegrity.
DailyMed.Movantik.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for constipation.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of constipation.
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