Whether you suffer fromchronic constipationor find yourself bound up occasionally, sometimes you need alaxativeto get things moving.
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For chronic conditions likeirritable bowel syndrome (IBS)orCrohn’s disease, some types of laxatives can make symptoms worse.If you are constipated regularly, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine what might be causing your discomfort and how to treat it.
Because many different kinds of laxatives are available, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. Before making a choice, it is essential to know about the safety and effectiveness of each form. This article explores the different types of OTC laxatives, how they work, common brand options, and when to speak with your healthcare provider before use.
Fiber Supplements (Bulk Laxatives)londoneye / Vetta / Getty ImagesFiber supplementssoften the stool and stimulate abowel movement.There are three basic types, each of which uses a different ingredient, such aspsyllium, calciumpolycarbophil, ormethylcellulose.Here’s a quick overview of them:Psyllium breaks down in the gut and becomes a food source for good gut bacteria. It’s used for various conditions, including IBS and diverticulosis (note that it’s not recommended for diverticulitis). There is one significant side effect: Psyllium can cause intestinal gas.Calcium polycarbophil absorbs water in the digestive tract, making stools softer and bulkier. One drawback: It needs to be spaced with other medications you’re taking to ensure they’re adequately absorbed.Methylcellulose, like polycarbophil, is plant-based and absorbs water in the gut. It’s much less likely to cause intestinal gas than other fiber laxatives.As with all laxatives, drinking plenty of fluids while using fiber supplements is essential, or they can worsen constipation.Three commonly used bulk laxatives include:Citrucel(methylcellulose)Metamucil(psyllium)FiberCon(calcium polycarbophil)Fiber supplements can interact with other medications and reduce or delay their effectiveness. Antidepressants, diabetes medications, and carbamazepine are some of the medications that interact with fiber supplements.Always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that your medications are safe to take with a fiber supplement.
Fiber Supplements (Bulk Laxatives)
londoneye / Vetta / Getty Images
Fiber supplementssoften the stool and stimulate abowel movement.
There are three basic types, each of which uses a different ingredient, such aspsyllium, calciumpolycarbophil, ormethylcellulose.
Here’s a quick overview of them:
As with all laxatives, drinking plenty of fluids while using fiber supplements is essential, or they can worsen constipation.
Three commonly used bulk laxatives include:
Fiber supplements can interact with other medications and reduce or delay their effectiveness. Antidepressants, diabetes medications, and carbamazepine are some of the medications that interact with fiber supplements.Always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that your medications are safe to take with a fiber supplement.
Osmotic Laxatives
The three major osmotic laxatives are Miralax, lactulose, and milk of magnesia.
Besides the popular brandMiraLax, common brand names of osmotic laxatives include
Since osmotic laxatives draw water to the stool, overusing these medications may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.Talk with your healthcare provider to ensure these laxatives are suitable for you.
Stimulant Laxatives
A stimulant laxative is generally recommended as a short-term treatment for constipation. There is research suggesting that long-term use of these laxatives may be harmful to the colon and increase the risk of cancer.
Well-known product examples of stimulant laxatives include:
Senna products are not suitable for those with liver and kidney diseases due to their possible toxicity in those organs.
Always check with your healthcare provider before using any of these products, as they can interact with other OTC and prescription medications, and may be unsafe for people with certain underlying conditions.
Herbal Stimulant LaxativesHerbal laxativescontain lanthanides, chemical compounds that stimulate the intestines, improving motility in the gut (in other words, keeping things moving along more quickly).Many different herbs and plants have a reputation for having laxative effects, such as:Aloe(a cactus-like plant)Cascara sagrada(a North American shrub)Frangula(alder buckthorn)Rhubarb(a perennial vegetable)Herbal stimulant laxatives are not recommended for long-term use and can cause adverse gastrointestinal (GI) effects and other unpredictable reactions.Always consult a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Herbal Stimulant Laxatives
Herbal laxativescontain lanthanides, chemical compounds that stimulate the intestines, improving motility in the gut (in other words, keeping things moving along more quickly).
Many different herbs and plants have a reputation for having laxative effects, such as:
Herbal stimulant laxatives are not recommended for long-term use and can cause adverse gastrointestinal (GI) effects and other unpredictable reactions.Always consult a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Milk of Magnesia vs. MiraLax: What to Know
MiraLax(a hyperosmotic laxative), increases water in the intestines so stools can exit more rapidly. The active ingredient in MiraLax is polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350. It is an FDA-approved OTC short-term treatment of occasional constipation in those 17 and older.
MiraLax comes as a powder for reconstitution (add the medication to four to eight ounces of a liquid and allow it to dissolve). A single dose is 17 grams (g), which generally produces a bowel movement in one to three days. It can be taken once per day and for no more than seven days.
PEG 3350 is also available under various brand names, such as:
Milk of magnesia(a saline laxative) uses sodium to draw water into the intestines to help stools pass through more easily. The active ingredient in milk of magnesia is magnesium hydroxide.
This medication is used for other purposes (e.g., heartburn, upset stomach). When used as a laxative for occasional constipation, the daily dose is as follows:
Do not use milk of magnesia for longer than seven days without medical supervision. Milk of magnesia should be shaken well before use and can be taken with a glass of water.
Brand names of this medication include:
Stool SoftenersStool softenersdo just what the name suggests: soften stool so it’s easier to pass. They perform some of the same functions as laxatives but technically aren’t laxatives because they don’t stimulate the gut.However, some people find stool softeners to be helpful for constipation and, because they are generally well-tolerated, they are a safe option to try.There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of stool softeners in relieving constipation.At times, a stool softener may be a better option than a laxative to ease the completion of a bowel movement—for example, if you have hemorrhoids and/or are pregnant.You should consult your healthcare provider to determine the best way to help you move things forward.Most stool softeners contain a medication called docusate. Brand names include:ColaceDulcolax Stool SoftenerKao-TinStool softeners are recommended for short-term use, but you can use them longer if your healthcare provider gives you the green light.
Stool Softeners
Stool softenersdo just what the name suggests: soften stool so it’s easier to pass. They perform some of the same functions as laxatives but technically aren’t laxatives because they don’t stimulate the gut.
However, some people find stool softeners to be helpful for constipation and, because they are generally well-tolerated, they are a safe option to try.
There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of stool softeners in relieving constipation.
At times, a stool softener may be a better option than a laxative to ease the completion of a bowel movement—for example, if you have hemorrhoids and/or are pregnant.You should consult your healthcare provider to determine the best way to help you move things forward.
Most stool softeners contain a medication called docusate. Brand names include:
Stool softeners are recommended for short-term use, but you can use them longer if your healthcare provider gives you the green light.
Choosing a LaxativeKnowing which laxative to choose may seem difficult. However, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends using a fiber supplement as the first treatment for constipation.If fiber supplements do not help, osmotic laxatives should be the next approach considered. Stimulant laxatives are recommended if osmotic laxatives fail to be of benefit.There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of stool softeners, but some may find them to be helpful.When to Seek Medical Attention Due to ConstipationIf you experience constipation along with severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, unintended weight loss, or a sudden onset of new constipation you should seek medical attention. Anyone used to having regular bowel movements who suddenly develops chronic constipation should see their healthcare provider.Talk with your healthcare provider to see which laxative is right for you, as some may be unsafe for those taking other medications, or with certain health conditions.What to Know About Prescription LaxativesSummaryThere are many different types and brands of OTC laxatives available, and confusion about which to use is common. Before choosing, it’s a good idea to review how each type works in the body, be aware of any safety concerns, and know when to seek medical advice before use.Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, using laxatives too often can make the intestines dependent on the medication. Thus, you will be more likely to experience constipation if you don’t continue using the laxatives. If you stop taking the laxatives, you may experience constipation again.Drinking 8 to 10 cups of water or liquid daily, eating more fiber, such as fruit with skins, and being active are the most effective ways to relieve minor constipation and stay regular.You can also use psyllium, a natural plant-based fiber.Some herbs can stimulate a bowel movement. However, these may have side effects or interact with other medications, so always discuss them with your healthcare provider.Learn MoreChoosing the Right Fiber Supplement
Choosing a Laxative
Knowing which laxative to choose may seem difficult. However, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends using a fiber supplement as the first treatment for constipation.
If fiber supplements do not help, osmotic laxatives should be the next approach considered. Stimulant laxatives are recommended if osmotic laxatives fail to be of benefit.
There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of stool softeners, but some may find them to be helpful.
When to Seek Medical Attention Due to ConstipationIf you experience constipation along with severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, unintended weight loss, or a sudden onset of new constipation you should seek medical attention. Anyone used to having regular bowel movements who suddenly develops chronic constipation should see their healthcare provider.
When to Seek Medical Attention Due to Constipation
If you experience constipation along with severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, unintended weight loss, or a sudden onset of new constipation you should seek medical attention. Anyone used to having regular bowel movements who suddenly develops chronic constipation should see their healthcare provider.
Talk with your healthcare provider to see which laxative is right for you, as some may be unsafe for those taking other medications, or with certain health conditions.
What to Know About Prescription Laxatives
Summary
There are many different types and brands of OTC laxatives available, and confusion about which to use is common. Before choosing, it’s a good idea to review how each type works in the body, be aware of any safety concerns, and know when to seek medical advice before use.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, using laxatives too often can make the intestines dependent on the medication. Thus, you will be more likely to experience constipation if you don’t continue using the laxatives. If you stop taking the laxatives, you may experience constipation again.Drinking 8 to 10 cups of water or liquid daily, eating more fiber, such as fruit with skins, and being active are the most effective ways to relieve minor constipation and stay regular.You can also use psyllium, a natural plant-based fiber.Some herbs can stimulate a bowel movement. However, these may have side effects or interact with other medications, so always discuss them with your healthcare provider.Learn MoreChoosing the Right Fiber Supplement
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, using laxatives too often can make the intestines dependent on the medication. Thus, you will be more likely to experience constipation if you don’t continue using the laxatives. If you stop taking the laxatives, you may experience constipation again.
Drinking 8 to 10 cups of water or liquid daily, eating more fiber, such as fruit with skins, and being active are the most effective ways to relieve minor constipation and stay regular.You can also use psyllium, a natural plant-based fiber.Some herbs can stimulate a bowel movement. However, these may have side effects or interact with other medications, so always discuss them with your healthcare provider.Learn MoreChoosing the Right Fiber Supplement
Drinking 8 to 10 cups of water or liquid daily, eating more fiber, such as fruit with skins, and being active are the most effective ways to relieve minor constipation and stay regular.You can also use psyllium, a natural plant-based fiber.Some herbs can stimulate a bowel movement. However, these may have side effects or interact with other medications, so always discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Drinking 8 to 10 cups of water or liquid daily, eating more fiber, such as fruit with skins, and being active are the most effective ways to relieve minor constipation and stay regular.
You can also use psyllium, a natural plant-based fiber.
Some herbs can stimulate a bowel movement. However, these may have side effects or interact with other medications, so always discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Learn MoreChoosing the Right Fiber Supplement
26 Sources
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