Laxatives work in different ways, and the effectiveness of each laxative type varies from person to person. In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
While they only are intended for short-term relief of constipation, using a daily stool softener long-term probably is not harmful. But there are other ways to help relieve constipation that often are successful. Your diet often is one of the main drivers behind constipation.
Senokot vs. Dulcolax
Dulcolax suppositories work faster, usually within 15 to 60 minutes. Dulcolax can cause cramping, stomach pain, and diarrhea. This can also happen with Senokot, but it may be better tolerated.
This medicine is for short-term use only. You shouldn't take it for longer than a week without first checking with your doctor. Let your doctor know if you experience any unusual side effects while using this medicine.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
Drinking more water. Using fiber supplements like Metamucil. Taking laxatives like Miralax, Exlax, saline enemas, and more. Exercising regularly.
Natural laxatives include foods rich in magnesium, fiber, and probiotics, as well as drinks like water, prune juice, and coffee. Certain herbs, such as senna, ginger, peppermint, and aloe vera, can also help to keep your bowel movements more regular. Using natural laxatives to relieve constipation is usually safe.
Don't get into the habit of taking laxatives every day to ease your constipation because this can be harmful.
Perform stimulation with your finger every day until you start to have a regular pattern of bowel movements. You can also stimulate bowel movements by using a suppository (glycerin or bisacodyl) or a small enema. Some people find it helpful to drink warm prune juice or fruit nectar.
Morning habits are compatible with bowel movements.
Whether you wake up and have some water, tea, or coffee, liquid itself encourages a BM. Plus, there's caffeine in caffeinated teas and coffee, which stimulate colonic contractions, according to Dr. Poppers.
Fecal Incontinence
Also called bowel leakage, fecal incontinence means you have little to no control over your bowel movements. According to Mayo Clinic, this issue can be caused by weak sphincter muscles, nerve damage, chronic constipation, or rectal injuries.
ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other intestinal disorder; a history of perforation (a hole or tear) of your intestines; an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia); or. if you cannot swallow without chewing, if taking Dulcolax tablets.
Unlike stool softeners which merely add moisture to the stool to allow for easier movement, stimulant laxatives treat more acute and chronic constipation by directly stimulating nerves in the large intestine.
The fastest-working oral laxatives include mineral oil, saline laxatives (like magnesium hydroxide and magnesium citrate), and stimulant laxatives (like bisacodyl and senna tablets). Common OTC products in this group include Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax, and Senokot.
Natural vegetable laxative ingredient plus a stool softener for gentle, overnight relief* from occasional constipation. Senokot-S® Dual Action combines the natural vegetable laxative ingredient senna, with a stool softener for dependable, overnight relief of occasional constipation.
Take senna for a few days only and no longer than a week. If you take it for longer, your body can start to rely on it, rather than your bowels doing the work on their own. If you are still constipated after taking senna for 3 days, talk to your doctor.
Senokot S should cause you to have a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. Do not take Senokot S for longer than 7 days in a row, unless your doctor tells you to. Call your doctor if your constipation does not improve or if it gets worse after taking Senokot S. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Stimulant laxatives such as Senokot (made from senna pods) and Dulcolax (active ingredient: bisacodyl) are the fastest-working oral laxatives, with overnight results. They stimulate the muscles lining your gut, helping to move things along.
Results: Mean daily bowel frequency was greater with the senna-fibre combination (0.8, 95% confidence interval 0.7 to 0.9) than lactulose (0.6, 0.5 to 0.7; t = 3.51 p < or = 0.001). Scores for stool consistency and ease of evacuation were significantly higher for the senna-fibre combination than for lactulose.