Fiber-based laxativesĭoctors may recommend a bulk-forming laxative containing soluble fiber if a person does not get a lot of fiber in their regular diet. If used correctly, osmotic laxatives may be suitable for long-term use. They may not be the best option for people experiencing constipation from dehydration.Īnyone using osmotic laxatives should also drink more water throughout the day. They usually contain polyethylene glycol and glycerin as their active ingredients. Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines to help soften the stool and help it move. If straining to have a bowel movement might be harmful during recovery, people can take stool softeners to avoid complications. Over-the-counter (OTC) stool softeners are useful when a person experiences temporary, mild, or chronic constipation.ĭoctors may prescribe stool softeners after major surgeries, such as heart surgery or hernia repair. They help soften the stool, making it easier to pass. They typically contain docusate sodium and docusate calcium as the active ingredients. Stool softeners are gentle medications with a relatively mild effect. The following list describes the uses, benefits, and risks of different forms of laxatives: Stool softeners In most cases, a doctor will know which type of laxative they should prescribe based on a person’s symptoms and what is causing them. They should also consult a doctor before switching between them to avoid any interactions or complications. Guanylate cyclase-C agonist laxatives: Certain drugs both increase water in the gastrointestinal tract and make the stool move through the colon faster.Ī person should take only one type of laxative at a time.Lubricant laxatives: These are oily laxatives that coat the intestines to help move stool through quicker.Saline laxatives: These magnesium-based laxatives pull water into the intestines.Stimulant laxatives: These are fast-acting laxatives that can stimulate the intestines into having a bowel movement.Bulk-forming laxatives: Often derived from plants, these laxatives help form a watery gel in the intestines that adds both body and lubrication to the stool.Osmotic laxatives: These draw water into the intestines from the surrounding tissues.Although some other laxatives also soften the stool, they have different methods of action. Stool softeners are a type of laxative, but not all laxatives are stool softeners. Doctors may recommend different types of laxative depending on the cause of constipation or side effects of the medications. There are many types of laxatives, because there are many different causes of constipation. Stool softeners are also called emollient laxatives. Stool softeners are a type of laxative that works to gently lubricate the stool by adding a compound to it that absorbs water. A laxative is any medicine or supplement that helps the body have a bowel movement.Įach laxative works differently, and a doctor may suggest them as a first-line treatment alongside dietary and lifestyle advice to help relieve constipation. The term “laxative” refers to a wide range of substances, including stool softeners. However, they can sometimes inhibit the absorption of vitamins and nutrients.Share on Pinterest Peter Dazeley/Getty Images Doctors may recommend lubricants for people with blockages in the anus or rectum. Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, coat the surface of a stool, which helps the stool retain fluid and pass with less difficulty. Phillips' ® Stool Softener Liquid Gels offer gentle, cramp-free relief from occasional constipation without the use of harsh stimulants. Doctors suggest stool softeners for people who should avoid straining while having a bowel movement. This is accomplished by increasing fluid in the stool, which helps soften fecal material. Stool softeners help soften dry, hard stools, making it easier to produce a bowel movement. It's very important to take bulk-forming agents with water to avoid side effects, including bloating and gas. A larger stool makes the bowel contract, which eventually forces the solid waste out. Bisacodyl side effects can include stomach discomfort, faintness, cramps and a sudden urgent bowel movement.īulk-forming (fiber) laxatives contain fiber that uses the water in your intestines to make your stool bulkier. Stimulant laxatives cause the intestines to contract, which pushes the stool out. These types of laxatives contain magnesium, a mineral salt that doesn't cause cramping like some stimulant laxatives. Phillips' ® offers a range of saline osmotic laxatives to provide comfortable, overnight relief from occasional constipation. This provides softer stools and increases the frequency of bowel movements. Osmotic laxatives relieve occasional constipation by gently drawing water into the bowel.
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