Constipation can cause hard stools, infrequent bowel movements, straining, and discomfort. Treatment depends on severity some options are best for daily prevention, while others provide faster relief when needed. Treatment is based on making stool more bulk, more soft, or force the intestine to shake its contents.
There are several constipation remedies over-the-counter that you can use without the need of a prescription, I have outlined these products with product description and tips, and links to Amazon procducts. Please note that these are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Additionally, if you still need help finding the right product that works for you, you may use the pharmacist selection guide.
What is the best OTC for constipation?
​Stool Softeners (Gentle Support)
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Stool Softener (Docusate Sodium)
Docusate sodium helps soften hard, dry stools by drawing water into them, making bowel movements easier to pass without stimulating the intestines. It is commonly used after surgery, childbirth, or during hemorrhoid flare-ups.
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Pharmacist Tips
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Take with a full glass of water and maintain fiber intake.
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Best for prevention and easing stool passage, not immediate relief.
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Works gradually within 12–72 hours.
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Gentle enough for short-term or occasional longer use.
Stimulant Laxatives (Faster Relief)
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Senna (e.g., Senokot®)
A stimulant laxative that works by triggering intestinal muscle contractions, helping move stool through the colon. Often produces a bowel movement within 6–12 hours.
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Pharmacist Tips
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Take at bedtime for morning relief.
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Use for short-term only.
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Avoid long-term use due to risk of dependence or cramping.
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Stay well hydrated.
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Bisacodyl (e.g., Dulcolax® Tablets or Suppositories)
A stimulant laxative that increases bowel activity. Available in oral tablets and rectal suppositories for faster effect. It is a strong stimulant, that you need to spare for severe constipation.
Pharmacist Tips
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Tablets work in 6–12 hours; suppositories in 15–60 minutes.
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Swallow tablets whole—do not crush or chew.
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Avoid taking with milk or antacids.
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Use occasionally, not daily.
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Senna + Docusate (e.g., Senokot-S®)
A combination of a stool softener and stimulant laxative, helpful for hard and infrequent stools. The combination allows for 2 mechaisms of action, softening the stool, and creating an intestinal movement to move the stool out.
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Pharmacist Tips
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Works within 6–12 hours.
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Best for short-term use.
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Avoid prolonged daily use.
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Stay well hydrated.
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Bulk-Forming Fiber (Daily Prevention)
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Psyllium Fiber (e.g., Metamucil®)
A fiber supplement that absorbs water, increasing stool bulk and softness to promote regular bowel movements. It is a gentle long-term constipation management to help regulate intestinal movement.
Pharmacist Tips
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Mix with a full glass of water and drink promptly.
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Follow with another glass of water for a better response.
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Works in 1–3 days with consistent use.
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May also help lower cholesterol.
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Osmotic Laxatives (Gentle, Consistent Relief)
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Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) (e.g., MiraLAX®)
Draws water into the colon to soften stool and increase frequency without significant cramping. Suitable for chronic or frequent constipation. Relatively safe as it is a polymer that stays in the intestine with insignificant amount going into blood stream.
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Pharmacist Tips
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Dissolve in 4–8 oz of liquid before drinking.
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Works within 1–3 days.
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Maintain good hydration.
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Consult a provider if long-term use is needed.
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Milk of Magnesia (Magnesium Hydroxide)
An osmotic laxative that works faster by pulling water into the intestines, softening stool and stimulating movement. Available in a liguid suspension and should not be used long-term.
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Pharmacist Tips
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Works within 30 minutes to 6 hours.
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Use short-term only.
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Avoid if you have kidney disease.
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Drink plenty of fluids.
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Rectal Options (Rapid Relief)
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Fleet® Saline Enema
A rectal treatment that draws water into the colon to produce a rapid bowel movement, often within minutes.
How to Use
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Lie on your side or kneel forward.
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Insert applicator gently and squeeze bottle.
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Hold solution until urge develops (usually a few minutes).
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Read package instructions for full details.
Pharmacist Tips
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Works within minutes.
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Use only if other options do not help.
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Avoid if you have severe abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, or kidney issues unless advised.
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Seek care if no bowel movement occurs.
Products Description&Tips
Pharmacist Selection Guide
For Hard or Painful Stools: Use a stool softener (docusate) to reduce straining, especially if you have hemorrhoids or discomfort with bowel movements.
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For Sluggish Bowels (Short-Term Relief): Use a stimulant laxative such as senna or bisacodyl. Tablets typically work overnight, while suppositories act faster (within 15–60 minutes). These are helpful after opioid use or other medications that slow the bowel.
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For Hard and Infrequent Stools: Use a combination product (senna + docusate) when stool is both dry and difficult to pass and a single treatment has not been effective.
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For Long-Term Regulation: Use psyllium fiber daily to add bulk and softness to stool. Best suited for ongoing maintenance when taken consistently with adequate hydration.
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For Gentle, Consistent Relief: Use polyethylene glycol (PEG, e.g., MiraLAX®) to draw water into the colon and increase stool frequency. Helpful for frequent or chronic constipation.
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For Faster Relief: Use milk of magnesia occasionally when more rapid action is needed.
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For Urgent Constipation: Use a Fleet® Saline Enema when other treatments have not worked. This option is for short-term or emergency use—not regular management.
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Important:
Seek medical care if constipation is severe, persistent (longer than 2 weeks), or accompanied by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss.
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