Bowel health
Laxatives
Classification, dosage and availability of common laxatives, with newer prescription medicines.
Ask your health care provider or pharmacist which type, if any, is right for you. Prescription medicines are chosen and dosed by your prescriber, so no doses are given for them here.
Bulk (fiber supplements)
Increases stool volume.
| Generic name | Brand | Dosage | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psyllium (natural) | Metamucil, Konsyl | 1 tsp. up to three times a day | Over the counter |
| Methylcellulose | Citrucel | 1 tsp. up to three times a day | Over the counter |
| Calcium polycarbophil | Fibercon | 2 to 4 tablets a day | Over the counter |
Osmotic / hyperosmotic
Decreases absorption of fluids and electrolytes from the intestine. Should not be used with a sodium-restricted diet, kidney problems, or high blood pressure.
| Generic name | Brand | Dosage | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium hydroxide | Milk of Magnesia | 1 to 2 Tbs. a day | Over the counter |
| Magnesium citrate | Generic | Follow the package directions | Over the counter |
| Sodium phosphate | Fleet Phosphasoda | 8 to 16 oz. a day | Over the counter |
| Lactulose | Chronulac | 1 to 2 Tbs. a day | Prescription |
| Sorbitol | Generic | 1 to 2 Tbs. a day | Over the counter |
| Polyethylene glycol 3350 | Miralax and generics | Follow the package directions | Over the counter |
| Polyethylene glycol with electrolytes | Golytely | 8 to 32 oz. a day | Prescription |
| Glycerin suppository | Generic | Up to daily | Over the counter |
Emollient
Contains a stool lubricant or softener to reduce straining.
| Generic name | Brand | Dosage | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Docusate sodium | Colace | 100 mg twice a day | Over the counter |
| Docusate calcium | Surfak | 240 mg a day | Over the counter |
| Mineral oil | Generic | 1 to 3 Tbs. a day | Over the counter |
Stimulant
Works as an intestinal irritant. Use with caution, as it can cause dependence by decreasing bowel tone and sensation.
| Generic name | Brand | Dosage | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bisacodyl | Dulcolax | 5 to 15 mg a day | Over the counter |
| Anthraquinones (senna) | Senokot | 2 tablets a day | Over the counter |
| Docusate/casanthranol | Pericolace, Ex-Lax | 1 to 2 tablets a day | Over the counter |
| Cascara | Generic | 1 tsp. at bedtime | Over the counter |
Enemas and rectal products
Work in the rectum, usually within minutes. Meant for occasional use, not every day.
| Generic name | Brand | How used | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium phosphate enema | Fleet Enema | Follow the package directions | Over the counter |
| Mineral oil enema | Fleet Mineral Oil | Follow the package directions | Over the counter |
| Bisacodyl suppository | Dulcolax suppository | Follow the package directions | Over the counter |
Newer prescription medicines
Used when fiber and the other options have not helped. Your prescriber chooses the medicine and the dose.
| Generic name | Brand | Used for | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linaclotide | Linzess | Chronic constipation; constipation-predominant IBS | Prescription |
| Plecanatide | Trulance | Chronic constipation; constipation-predominant IBS | Prescription |
| Lubiprostone | Amitiza | Chronic constipation; constipation-predominant IBS in women; opioid-induced constipation | Prescription |
| Prucalopride | Motegrity | Chronic constipation | Prescription |
| Tenapanor | Ibsrela | Constipation-predominant IBS | Prescription |
| Naloxegol | Movantik | Constipation caused by opioid pain medicines | Prescription |
| Methylnaltrexone | Relistor | Constipation caused by opioid pain medicines | Prescription |
| Naldemedine | Symproic | Constipation caused by opioid pain medicines | Prescription |
Tell your provider about every medicine and supplement you take, and call if you have blood in your stool, severe pain, unexplained weight loss, or a sudden change in your bowel habits.
This handout is for education and does not replace advice from your own healthcare provider.