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. Share on Pinterest Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

Will a laxative clean me out