Medication for Constipation

•    Bulk-forming laxatives are fiber supplements and include Metamucil, Fiberall, Citrucel, Konsyl, and Serutan which have to be taken with water so that they do not cause obstruction.
•    Stimulants aid in increasing muscle contractions in the intestines to facilitate bowel movement. Correctol, Dulcolax, Purge, and Senokot are common examples of stimulants.
•    Osmotics cause a special fluid flow movement in the colon through osmosis. Cephulac, Sorbitol, and Miralax are osmotics.
•    Colace and Surfak are examples of stool-softeners which help in moistening the stool and preventing dehydration.
•    Lubricants are used to grease the colon column to facilitate easier bowel movement. Fleet and Zymenol perform this function while mineral oil is a natural lubricant that can be used in place of drugs.
•    Milk of Magnesia and Haley’s M-O are saline laxatives because they replicate a sponge used to increase the moisture content of the colon.
•    Amitiza is a chloride channel activator that increases the intestinal fluid content of the body.