Our recipe guide makes it easier. Sign up and get yours now! Effect of laxatives and pharmacological therapies in chronic idiopathic constipation: systematic review and meta-analysis. Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms. World J Gastroenterol. J Acad Nutr Diet.
Liu LWC. Chronic constipation: current treatment options. Can J Gastroenterol. Management of Constipation in Older Adults. Am Fam Physician. Cirillo C, Capasso R. Constipation and Botanical Medicines: An Overview. Phytother Res. Wang X, Yin J. Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Chronic Constipation. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Bashir A, Sizar O. In: StatPearls.
Treating constipation during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. Getting into a slight squatting position with knees bent may also help move things along, as well.
OTC laxative options fall into different categories. Bulk-forming laxatives bulk up stool and osmotic laxatives draw water into the colon so stool is easier to pass. Stimulant laxatives directly increase contractions of gut muscles to produce a bowel movement.
Gas pain? Stool issues? Sign up for the best tips to take care of your stomach. Updated January 29, Treatment for constipation. Updated May Harvard Health Publishing. Don't bomb the bowel with laxatives. September 25, How to relieve and avoid constipation naturally. November 8, Jin J. Over-the-counter laxatives. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.
At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. There are many types of laxatives because there are many different causes of constipation.
Doctors may recommend different types of laxative depending on the cause of constipation or side effects of the medications. Stool softeners are a type of laxative, but not all laxatives are stool softeners. Although some other laxatives also soften the stool, they have different methods of action.
Only take one type of laxative at a time, and talk to a doctor before switching between them to avoid any interactions or complications. People can find a wide range of constipation relief methods online, including stool softeners and other laxatives.
Stool softeners are gentle medications with a relatively mild effect. They soften the stool, making it easier to pass. Over-the-counter stool softeners are useful when a person experiences mild occasional or chronic constipation. Doctors may prescribe stool softeners after major surgeries, such as heart surgery or hernia repair. If straining to have a bowel movement might be harmful during recovery, people can take stool softeners to avoid complications.
Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines. They may not be the best option for people experiencing constipation from dehydration.
Anyone using osmotic laxatives should also drink more water throughout the day. When used correctly, doctors may recommend osmotic laxatives for long-term use. Doctors may recommend a bulk-forming laxative containing soluble fiber if a person does not get a lot of fiber in their regular diet. Doctors may also recommend fiber-based laxatives for people who have chronic, long-lasting constipation.
Bulk-forming laxatives may be safer for long-term use than other options, as they have little risk of long-term side effects when taken correctly. Like osmotic laxatives, saline laxatives pull water into the stool. Saline laxatives do this using mineral salts, such as magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide. Saline laxatives are not right for everyone. For instance, people who are on medication to lower their sodium levels or are taking other mineral-based medications, such as medicines to reduce calcium in the kidneys, should avoid saline laxatives.
Saline laxatives are useful for short-term constipation. Laxatives can help relieve and prevent constipation. But not all laxatives are safe for long-term use.
Overuse of certain laxatives can lead to dependency and decreased bowel function. If you've ever been constipated, you may have tried over-the-counter laxatives. A number of factors — including a poor diet, physical inactivity and some medications — can disrupt normal bowel function and cause constipation. Many safe, effective over-the-counter laxatives are available to treat occasional constipation in a variety of ways. However, it's very important to read the label directions carefully and to use them as directed.
Overuse of laxatives may cause serious side effects. How often you have a bowel movement varies, but people normally have as many as three bowel movements a day to as few as three a week. You may be constipated if you have fewer bowel movements than are normal for you. In addition, constipation may involve stools that are difficult to pass because they're hard, dry or small.
Lifestyle improvements relieve constipation for many people, but if problems continue despite these changes, your next choice may be a mild laxative. Laxatives work in different ways, and the effectiveness of each laxative type varies from person to person.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category. Here are some examples of types of laxatives.
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