Constipation Medications

For over the counter, there are different categories of medication to alleviate constipation.
- Fiber supplements are the safest medication and add bulk to the stool (Recommended to drink lots of water when taking these supplements). Fiber supplements include Metamucil and Fibercon.
- Lubricating laxatives help to move the stool through the colon. One lubricating supplement is mineral oil.
- Stool softeners moisten the stool. Examples of stool softeners are Colace and Surfak.
- Bowel stimulants stimulate the bowel muscles resulting in contractions in the intestines. Examples of bowel stimulants include Senokot, Correctol, and Dulcolax.
- Senna Plus is a combination stool softener and bowel stimulant.
- Hydrating agents draw water into the intestines. Examples of hydrating agents are milk of magnesia, Haley's MO, magnesium citrate, and miralax.

Three prescription medications your physician may prescribe are:
- Osmotic agents (Lactulose, Cephulac,and Sorbitol) which work by pulling water into the intestines, and therefore softening the stool.
- Chloride channel activators (lubiprostone - Amitiza) increase fluid content of the stool.
- Prucalopride assists in gastro-intestinal motility.

Medications should be a last resort for dealing with constipation. Your body starts to depend on the laxatives, so over-the-counter medications should be used sparingly.

Contact your physician right away if you have not had a bowel movement in 2 or more days or if longer than your regular bowel movements.

Constipation is when a person experiences less frequent or difficult bowel movements.

Constipation may be caused by lack of fiber in the diet, changes in routine, lack of activity, less fluid intake, and some chemo and pain medications.