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Medicine for Constipation (Laxatives)

The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Drug name Rating Reviews Activity ? Rx/OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol
docusate 6.6 47 reviews for docusate to treat Constipation Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
docusate systemic
Brand names:
Colace, Dulcolax Stool Softener, Doc-Q-Lace, DOK, Enemeez Mini, Surfak, Diocto
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
MiraLAX 7.3 194 reviews for MiraLAX to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Colace 6.3 18 reviews for Colace to treat Constipation Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
docusate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Dulcolax 5.3 1041 reviews for Dulcolax to treat Constipation OTC B N
Generic name:
bisacodyl systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
bisacodyl 5.3 1454 reviews for bisacodyl to treat Constipation OTC B N
Generic name:
bisacodyl systemic
Brand names:
Dulcolax, Correctol, Fleet Bisacodyl
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
polyethylene glycol 3350 7.2 262 reviews for polyethylene glycol 3350 to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Brand names:
MiraLAX, GlycoLax, ClearLax, Purelax, GaviLAX, Gialax, HealthyLax, PEG3350, SunMark ClearLax
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Dulcolax Stool Softener 5.5 2 reviews for Dulcolax Stool Softener to treat Constipation Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
docusate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
magnesium oxide 8.6 17 reviews for magnesium oxide to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
magnesium oxide systemic
Brand names:
Mag-Oxide, Phillips' Cramp-free, Uro-Mag
Drug class:
minerals and electrolytes
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Milk of Magnesia 8.8 47 reviews for Milk of Magnesia to treat Constipation Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
magnesium hydroxide systemic
Drug class:
antacids, laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
magnesium citrate 8.6 483 reviews for magnesium citrate to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
magnesium citrate systemic
Brand names:
Citrate of Magnesia, Citroma
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Metamucil 6.7 35 reviews for Metamucil to treat Constipation OTC N N
Generic name:
psyllium systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Citrucel 10 2 reviews for Citrucel to treat Constipation Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
methylcellulose systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Doc-Q-Lace Rate Add review Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
docusate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
DOK Rate Add review Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
docusate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
FiberCon 9.0 1 review for FiberCon to treat Constipation OTC N N
Generic name:
polycarbophil systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
interactions, side effects
Phillips' Milk of Magnesia 8.3 185 reviews for Phillips' Milk of Magnesia to treat Constipation Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
magnesium hydroxide systemic
Drug class:
antacids, laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Fleet Enema 8.7 96 reviews for Fleet Enema to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
GlycoLax 1.0 1 review for GlycoLax to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
psyllium 7.1 41 reviews for psyllium to treat Constipation OTC N N
Generic name:
psyllium systemic
Brand names:
Metamucil, Hydrocil, Natural Fiber Therapy
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
ClearLax 9.5 10 reviews for ClearLax to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Correctol 4.9 36 reviews for Correctol to treat Constipation OTC B N
Generic name:
bisacodyl systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Enemeez Mini 9.0 1 review for Enemeez Mini to treat Constipation Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
docusate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
lactulose 10 2 reviews for lactulose to treat Constipation Rx B N
Generic name:
lactulose systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
magnesium hydroxide 8.4 239 reviews for magnesium hydroxide to treat Constipation Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
magnesium hydroxide systemic
Brand names:
Milk of Magnesia, Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia, Pedia-Lax Chewable Tablets
Drug class:
antacids, laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Surfak Rate Add review Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
docusate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Diocto Rate Add review Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
docusate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Fleet Bisacodyl 10 1 review for Fleet Bisacodyl to treat Constipation OTC B N
Generic name:
bisacodyl systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
linaclotide 7.5 4 reviews for linaclotide to treat Constipation Rx C N
Generic name:
linaclotide systemic
Drug class:
guanylate cyclase-C agonists
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
lubiprostone 8.0 1 review for lubiprostone to treat Constipation Rx C N
Generic name:
lubiprostone systemic
Drug class:
chloride channel activators
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Citrate of Magnesia 10 6 reviews for Citrate of Magnesia to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
magnesium citrate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Mag-Oxide Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
magnesium oxide systemic
Drug class:
minerals and electrolytes
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Phillips' Cramp-free Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
magnesium oxide systemic
Drug class:
minerals and electrolytes
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Purelax 10 1 review for Purelax to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Uro-Mag Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
magnesium oxide systemic
Drug class:
minerals and electrolytes
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Citroma Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
magnesium citrate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
GaviLAX 3.3 3 reviews for GaviLAX to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Gialax Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
glycerin 7.8 30 reviews for glycerin to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
glycerin systemic
Brand names:
Fleet Glycerin Suppositories Adult, Fleet Glycerin Suppositories Pediatric, Fleet Liquid Glycerin Suppositories, Pedia-Lax Liquid Glycerin Suppositories, Sani-Supp
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
HealthyLax Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Hydrocil Rate Add review OTC N N
Generic name:
psyllium systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
methylcellulose 6.3 8 reviews for methylcellulose to treat Constipation Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
methylcellulose systemic
Brand name:
Citrucel
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
PEG3350 5.0 2 reviews for PEG3350 to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate 8.7 105 reviews for sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate systemic
Brand names:
Fleet Enema, Disposable Enema, Fleet Phospho Soda, OsmoPrep
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
SunMark ClearLax Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia Rate Add review Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
magnesium hydroxide systemic
Drug class:
antacids, laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Fiber Lax Rate Add review OTC N N
Generic name:
polycarbophil systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
interactions, side effects
Fiber Laxative Rate Add review OTC N N
Generic name:
polycarbophil systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
interactions, side effects
Fleet Glycerin Suppositories Adult 8.1 11 reviews for Fleet Glycerin Suppositories Adult to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
glycerin systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Fleet Glycerin Suppositories Pediatric Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
glycerin systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Fleet Liquid Glycerin Suppositories 8.0 1 review for Fleet Liquid Glycerin Suppositories to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
glycerin systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
mineral oil Rate Add review Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
mineral oil systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Natural Fiber Therapy Rate Add review OTC N N
Generic name:
psyllium systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Pedia-Lax Chewable Tablets Rate Add review Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
magnesium hydroxide systemic
Drug class:
antacids, laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Pedia-Lax Liquid Glycerin Suppositories 10 1 review for Pedia-Lax Liquid Glycerin Suppositories to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
glycerin systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
polycarbophil 6.3 3 reviews for polycarbophil to treat Constipation OTC N N
Generic name:
polycarbophil systemic
Brand names:
FiberCon, Fiber Lax, Fiber Laxative, Equalactin, Fibertab
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
interactions, side effects
prucalopride 10 1 review for prucalopride to treat Constipation Rx N
Generic name:
prucalopride systemic
Drug class:
serotoninergic neuroenteric modulators
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Sani-Supp Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
glycerin systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
sorbitol 9.0 1 review for sorbitol to treat Constipation Rx/OTC N N
Generic name:
sorbitol systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
castor oil Rate Add review OTC X N
Generic name:
castor oil systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Disposable Enema 10 1 review for Disposable Enema to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Equalactin Rate Add review OTC N N
Generic name:
polycarbophil systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
interactions, side effects
Fibertab Rate Add review OTC N N
Generic name:
polycarbophil systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
interactions, side effects
Fleet Phospho Soda 10 2 reviews for Fleet Phospho Soda to treat Constipation Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
methylnaltrexone Rate Add review Rx B N
Generic name:
methylnaltrexone systemic
Drug class:
peripheral opioid receptor antagonists
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
naldemedine Rate Add review Rx N
Generic name:
naldemedine systemic
Drug class:
peripheral opioid receptor antagonists
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
naloxegol Rate Add review Rx C N
Generic name:
naloxegol systemic
Drug class:
peripheral opioid receptor antagonists
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
OsmoPrep Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
plecanatide Rate Add review Rx N
Generic name:
plecanatide systemic
Drug class:
guanylate cyclase-C agonists
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
potassium phosphate Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
potassium phosphate systemic
Drug class:
minerals and electrolytes
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information

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Frequently asked questions

View more FAQ

Topics under Constipation

Alternative treatments for Constipation

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Constipation. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Constipation.

Learn more about Constipation

Care guides

Medicine.com guides (external)

Legend

Rating For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx Prescription only.
OTC Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U CSA Schedule is unknown.
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X Interacts with Alcohol.

Further information

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