If constipation becomes chronic, stop playing the laxative roulette wheel. Examine with your doctor.
Occasional irregularity is unavoidable, but you can reduce it with a few simple methods. You should consume a fiber-rich diet, drink plenty of water, and stay physically active.
When it comes to constipation, however, the ideal laxative is the gentlest and safest alternative, such as a bulk-forming laxative. If laxatives do not work, seek assistance. If you require laxatives on a regular basis, you should consult your doctor.
How do stool softeners function?
Stool softeners soften stools, making them easier to pass. They are commonly used before bedtime and come in capsule, tablet, liquid, or syrup form. Take stool softeners exactly as instructed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more frequently than your doctor has suggested.
Laxatives that create bulk are the first choice.
Bulk-forming laxatives attract water into the stool, softening it and making it easier to pass. However, don't expect immediate relief; these can take anywhere from a half-day to several days to offer relief. They are suitable for daily use. They contain a variety of substances, and you may need to test more than one to find one that works for you while causing minimal side effects such as flatulence and bloating. They could be sold as laxatives or fiber supplements.
Stool softeners provide moisture to stools, softening them and making them easier to pass. Mineral oil, a lubricant, helps feces "slide on by" if they feel stuck low in your bowels, if you have an internal tear or "fissure," or if you have hemorrhoids that cause pain during bowel movements. Mineral oil should not be taken concurrently with stool softeners. 1 tablespoon in the morning or afternoon. However, don't use it for more than a few days because mineral oil interferes with vitamin absorption and, if breathed in, might induce pneumonia. Wear a protective pad under your underwear to absorb any leaking.
Other choices for relieving constipation
If stool softeners are not working well enough, you can try using a laxative called polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version). This type of laxative helps soften the stool and increase bowel movements by holding water in the stool. Some common side effects include gas, bloating, and nausea.
Another option that some people find helpful is eating diet candies that contain a sweetener called sorbitol. These candies can cause a mild case of diarrhea. However, you may also experience bloating and gas along with the laxative effect.
You can also consider using a laxative that contains magnesium, such as milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate. These laxatives are part of a group called saline osmotics, which draw water into the bowels and trigger bowel movements. The active ingredients in these laxatives include magnesium, sulfate, citrate, and phosphate.
It is important not to take more than the recommended amount of these laxatives or use them for a long time. They can disrupt your body's chemistry. If you have a weak kidney or heart failure, saline osmotic laxatives can be dangerous.
Here are some common types of laxatives and their brands:
- Bulk forming laxatives: These include bran, cereals, calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon), dextrin (Benefiber), methylcellulose (Citrucel), and psyllium (Metamucil). They help add bulk to the stool.
- Stool softeners: These include docusate (Colace, Correctol, Peri-Colace, Surfak) and help soften the stool.
- Lubricants: Mineral oil, found in various branded and generic products, can help lubricate the stool.
- Osmotics: These include magnesium (magnesium citrate, milk of magnesia), polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or generic versions), sodium phosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda), and sorbitol or lactulose (ingredients in various products). They draw water into the bowels to increase bowel movements.
- Stimulants: These include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Ex-Lax Ultra), casanthranol (Dialose Plus, Peri-Colace), cascara (Naturalax), castor oil (various brand and generic products), and senna (Ex-Lax, Fletcher's Castoria, Senokot). They stimulate contractions in the bowels to move the stool along.
If you find yourself trying different laxatives without success, it is recommended to see your doctor for an evaluation. They can perform additional tests to find better treatment options and rule out any serious issues. Your doctor can also prescribe other medications that may be more effective than over-the-counter laxatives if your problem is just constipation.
