Constipation can take over your day in ways that feel uncomfortable and frustrating. You sit down expecting relief but nothing happens or it feels hard, slow and painful. You may feel bloated, heavy and eager for quick relief.
Simple changes like adjusting your diet, drinking more water and moving more can help. But if those don’t work, you might find yourself in the pharmacy looking at laxatives such as fiber powders, pills, liquids and overnight remedies that all promise to help.
Laxatives are a common over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for constipation relief. However, choosing the wrong one might lead to more discomfort instead of relief.
So how do you know what to take and when to seek help? We talked with Mary Lopez, FNP, an interventional gastroenterology provider and patient educator at Banner Health, to learn more.
What are laxatives?
Laxatives are medicines that help you have a bowel movement (poop). You can buy some laxatives at a pharmacy without a prescription, while others are prescribed by a health care provider for more serious constipation.
“When it comes to managing occasional constipation, not all laxatives work in the same way,” Lopez said. “Some add bulk to your stool, some pull water into your intestines and others make the muscles in your digestive system move the stool along."
Laxatives are only for short-term use. They can help you feel better while you also work on long-term habits like drinking enough water, eating more fiber and exercising regularly.
Different types of laxatives and how to use them
Bulk-forming laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives, also called fiber supplements, are often the first type recommended because they work like dietary fiber.
“These laxatives increase stool size by adding soluble fiber, which pulls water into the stool,” Lopez said. “This makes stool larger, softer and easier to pass.”
These laxatives don’t work quickly. Instead, they help your bowel movements become more regular and easier over time. To work best, take them regularly and eat a high-fiber diet.
Common bulk-forming laxatives:
- Psyllium (Metamucil)
- Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
- Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
How to use bulk-forming laxatives
- Take with a full glass of water to avoid choking or making constipation worse
- Begin with a small dose and gradually increase to prevent gas or bloating
- Expect results within 12 hours to three days
Osmotic laxatives
Osmotic laxatives work by pulling water from surrounding body tissues into the colon. This softens the stool, making it easier for your body to pass it naturally. They come in forms like liquids, suppositories or powders that you mix into a drink.
Common osmotic laxatives:
- Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX)
- Magnesium citrate (Citroma)
- Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
- Glycerin
- Saline enema (Fleet enema)
How to use osmotic laxatives
Oral forms:
- Mix the powders completely in water or another liquid, if required
- Take exactly as directed on the label or by your provider
- Expect results in one to three days
Rectal forms (enemas or suppositories):
- Follow the package instructions carefully to insert it correctly
- Use when you need quick, direct relief
- Expect results in minutes to a few hours
- Stay near a bathroom after using it, as the urge might come quickly
Safety tip: Magnesium-based laxatives should be used carefully if you have kidney problems or are using them often. Do not overuse enemas or rectal products. Using them too often can upset your bowel or make it harder for your body to have natural bowel movements. If you need to use them regularly, talk with your health care provider.
Stool softeners
Stool softeners (also known as emollient laxatives) help make stool easier to pass by increasing the amount of water they absorb. They are gentle and don’t cause a strong urge to have a bowel movement. Your health care provider may recommend stool softeners when straining should be avoided, such as after surgery or childbirth.
Common stool softener:
- Docusate sodium (Colace, DocQLace)
How to use stool softeners
- Usually taken once or twice daily
- May take one to three days to work
- Often used short-term rather than as a primary treatment
Stimulant laxatives
“Stimulant laxatives are stronger than other OTC options,” Lopez said. “They work by triggering the muscles in your intestines to contract, helping stool through your system.”
They work quickl, but they can also cause cramps, bloating or the sudden need to go to the bathroom.
Common stimulant laxatives:
- Senna (Senokot)
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
How to use stimulant laxatives
- Often taken at bedtime for overnight results
- Usually work within six to 12 hours
- Should be used for short-term relief only
Safety tip: Avoid daily or long-term use unless your provider tells you to do so. Overuse can make your body less responsive to natural bowel movements.
Lubricant laxatives
“Lubricant laxatives form a slippery lining along the wall of the colon,” Lopez said. “This coating prevents water absorption from the stool and helps it move more easily through your digestive system."
These laxatives can give quick relief if stool is stuck. They are used less often today but can still be helpful in certain cases.
Common lubricant laxative:
- Mineral oil
How to use lubricant laxatives
- Taken on an empty stomach
- Usually works within six to eight hours
- Should be used carefully and short-term
How to choose the right laxative for constipation
The best laxative for you depends on your symptoms and how quickly you need relief. But when in doubt, start with the gentlest option.
Here's an easy way to think about it:
- If you want gentle daily support, a bulk-forming laxative is usually best.
- If your stool is hard and dry, an osmotic laxative might help.
- If you need faster relief, a stimulant laxative could work more quickly.
- If passing stool hurts, a stool softener might make it easier to have a bowel movement.
How to use laxatives safely
Laxatives can help with bowel movements but it’s important to use them properly to keep your digestive system healthy. Here are some safety tips:
- Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re using fiber-based laxatives: Without enough fluids, constipation can actually get worse.
- Do not take more than the recommended amount: Taking a larger dose won’t help and can cause diarrhea or dehydration.
- Be patient: Some laxatives work in a few hours, while others may take a few days.
- Avoid long-term daily use unless a health care provider recommends it: Talk to your provider if you have ongoing constipation.
- Support your digestion with healthy habits like fiber-rich foods, regular movement and plenty of water.
- If you are pregnant or have kidney, heart or bowel problems, talk to your provider before using a laxative.
When to see a doctor for constipation
Occasional constipation is normal but certain symptoms should not be ignored. Talk to a health care provider if you have:
- Constipation that lasts more than two or three weeks
- Severe or increasing stomach pain
- Blood in your stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constipation with sudden changes in your bowel habits
- Ongoing constipation despite using OTC laxatives
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest laxative to use?
Start with a bulk-forming laxative like psyllium (Metamucil). It is gentle, works naturally and is safe for regular use when taken with enough water.
Which laxative works the fastest?
Saline and stimulant laxatives can work within hours.
Can I take MiraLAX every day?
Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) is generally considered safe for short-term and some longer-term use. Still, you should talk to your provider if you need it regularly.
How long should I use a laxative?
Most OTC laxatives are meant for short-term use. If you need them for more than one or two weeks, talk to a provider.
When should I worry about constipation?
If it lasts more than a week or includes pain, blood or other symptoms, see a health care provider.
Takeaway
Laxatives for constipation can provide relief when your digestive system slows down. Start with gentler options and use stronger ones only when needed. Talk to your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist if you experience frequent constipation.
