Constipation  
Over the counter relief options

Symptoms of constipation extend beyond difficulty passing stool. Many individuals experience bloating, abdominal discomfort, straining, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation after using the bathroom. 

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How to manage constipation

Constipation can be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) options that soften stool, increase bowel movement frequency, and reduce straining.

Fiber supplements help add bulk and promote regularity when taken daily with adequate fluids, while stool softeners draw water into the stool to make it easier to pass. 

Osmotic laxatives pull water into the colon for more consistent relief and are suitable for short-term use, whereas stimulant laxatives trigger bowel contractions and should be used only occasionally for quick relief.

Drinking plenty of water, staying active, and responding promptly to the urge to go are important for OTC treatments to work effectively. 

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 Pharmacist-recommended products​​ 

The following are the recommended products for dry cough relief with convenient Amazon links. If you opt to purchase through, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. 

​Stool Softner (Docusate sodium)

Senna (e.g., Senokot®)

Bisacodyl (e.g., Dulcolax®) Tablets or Suppositories

Senna + Docusate (e.g., Senokot-S®, Senna-S)

Psyllium Fiber (e.g., Metamucil®)

Polyethylene Glycol(PEG)(e.g., MiraLAX®)

Milk of Magnesia

Fleet® Saline Enema​​​​​

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Pro tips and selection criteria​

Choosing the right product is based on symptoms, age and other factors that you need to consider to achieve the best relief results.​​

​Stool Softner (Docusate sodium)

When to use: Best for hard, dry stools that are painful to pass. Commonly recommended after surgery, childbirth, or with hemorrhoids to reduce straining.
How it works: Draws water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.
What to expect: Works gradually within 12–72 hours and is gentle enough for longer-term use when needed.
Tip: Take with a full glass of water and continue adequate fiber intake for best results.

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Senna (e.g., Senokot®)

When to use: Helpful for occasional constipation when faster relief is needed.
How it works: Stimulates intestinal muscles to promote a bowel movement.
What to expect: Typically works within 6–12 hours, so it’s often taken at bedtime for a morning result.
Tip: Use short term only; avoid daily or long-term use unless directed by a healthcare professional, as overuse can lead to dependence or cramping.

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Bisacodyl (e.g., Dulcolax®) Tablets or Suppositories

When to use: Effective for short-term relief when constipation hasn’t improved with fiber or stool softeners.
How it works: Stimulates bowel contractions to move stool through the colon.
What to expect: Oral tablets usually work within 6–12 hours, while suppositories act faster—within 15–60 minutes.
Tip: Use occasionally only; regular or long-term use may cause dependence or abdominal cramping unless advised by a healthcare professional.

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Senna + Docusate (e.g., Senokot-S®, Senna-S)

When to use: Helpful when stools are both hard and infrequent, especially in more stubborn constipation.
How it works: Combines a stool softener (to add moisture and ease passage) with a stimulant laxative (to trigger bowel movement).
What to expect: Typically works within 6–12 hours.
Tip: Use short term only; prolonged daily use should be avoided unless directed by a healthcare professional to prevent dependence.

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Psyllium Fiber (e.g., Metamucil®)

When to use: Best for daily prevention and long-term management of chronic constipation.
How it works: Absorbs water to add bulk and softness to stool, promoting regular bowel movements; it may also help improve cholesterol levels.
What to expect: Usually works within 1–3 days.
Tip: Mix with a full glass of water and drink promptly, then follow with additional fluids—insufficient hydration can worsen constipation.

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Polyethylene Glycol(PEG)(e.g., MiraLAX®)

When to use: Suitable for frequent or chronic constipation when gentle, consistent relief is needed.
How it works: Draws water into the colon to soften stool and increase bowel movement frequency without causing significant cramping.
What to expect: Typically works within 1–3 days.
Tip: Mix the powder fully in water or another beverage and take daily as directed; continue good hydration and consult a healthcare provider if long-term use is needed.

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Milk of Magnesia

When to use: Helpful for occasional constipation when faster relief is needed.
How it works: Draws water into the intestines to soften stool and stimulate a bowel movement.
What to expect: Usually works within 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Tip: Use short term and drink plenty of fluids; avoid use if you have kidney disease or are on magnesium-restricted diets unless advised by a healthcare professional.

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Fleet® Saline Enema​​​​​

When to use: Best for urgent constipation relief when oral treatments have not worked or cannot be used.
How it works: A saline solution draws water into the rectum, stimulating a bowel movement.
What to expect: Results usually occur within 1–5 minutes.
Tip: Use only as directed and not for daily or frequent use, as overuse can cause electrolyte imbalances or dependence. Avoid if you have severe abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, or kidney problems unless advised by a healthcare professional.

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Which one to choose

• Use stool softeners if stools are hard or painful to pass, or if you have hemorrhoids, to reduce straining.

• Use stimulant laxatives (senna or bisacodyl) for short-term relief when the bowel is sluggish (e.g., after opioids or other slowing medications). Tablets work overnight; suppositories act faster.

• Use a combination (senna + docusate) if stools are both hard and infrequent, and either option alone hasn’t worked.

• Use psyllium fiber to add bulk and softness for long-term regulation of bowel movements; suitable for daily use with good hydration.

• Use polyethylene glycol (PEG) for gentle, consistent relief by softening stool and increasing frequency; helpful for frequent or chronic constipation.

• Use milk of magnesia for faster relief, but limit to occasional use.

• Use Fleet Saline Enema for urgent relief or constipation that hasn’t responded to other treatments; not for regular use.

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