What is the best over-the-counter medicine for constipation?

While all the new prescription products provide more treatment options, Wald says, most people don't need them. Instead, over-the-counter drugs such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax and generic), bisacodyl (Dulcolax laxative tablets and generic), or senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot, and generic) are a far better choice.
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What laxative makes you poop instantly?

Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that works by increasing the amount of fluid/salts in the intestines. This effect usually results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. The normal frequency of bowel movements varies from once daily to 1 to 2 times weekly.
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Is MiraLAX better than Dulcolax?

Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) works fast and the suppositories work even faster to relieve your constipation, as long as you're okay with it "cramping" your style a bit. Helps get things moving. Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) provides effective relief of constipation without "cramping" your style.
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What to drink to make you poop immediately?

The following teas may have laxative or muscle-relaxing effects that help to relieve constipation and encourage bowel movements.
  1. Senna. ...
  2. Peppermint tea. ...
  3. Ginger. ...
  4. Dandelion. ...
  5. Black tea, green tea, or coffee. ...
  6. Licorice root. ...
  7. Marshmallow root. ...
  8. Chamomile.
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What pills make you poop?

Two of the more common ones are bisacodyl (Correctol, Ducodyl, Dulcolax) and sennocides (Senexon, Senokot). Some people overuse stimulant laxatives.
...
Common choices include:
  • Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
  • Methylcellulose fiber (Citrucel)
  • Psyllium (Konsyl, Metamucil)
  • Wheat dextrin (Benefiber)
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Mayo Clinic Minute: 5 tips for constipation alleviation without medication



What is the strongest laxative?

Stimulant laxatives such as Senokot (made from senna pods) and Dulcolax (active ingredient: bisacodyl) are the fastest-working oral laxatives, with overnight results.
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How do you pass a big hard stool?

Home remedies
  1. Abdominal massage. Sometimes a stomach massage can help stimulate the bowels if they're not moving enough to help stool digest more quickly. ...
  2. Drink more water. Increasing water in the digestive tract can make stool softer and easier to pass. ...
  3. Eat more fiber. ...
  4. Avoid empty-calorie, low-fiber foods. ...
  5. Exercise.
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Can you pull poop out when constipated?

There are many ways to treat and prevent constipation. One method is using your fingers to manually remove the stool from your rectum. This is sometimes called digital disimpaction or manual elimination. Using your fingers to remove stool can be helpful when you're not getting relief from other relief techniques.
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Are bananas good for constipation?

Bananas are high in fiber

Fiber has long been claimed to help prevent and relieve constipation ( 2 , 3 ). Soluble fiber absorbs water, helping stools stay large and soft. This may help improve the movement of stool through your digestive tract ( 4 ).
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Does MiraLAX work for impacted stool?

To treat childhood fecal impaction, Youssef and coworkers recommend 1 to 1.5 g/kg/day of polyethylene glycol solution (PEG 3350, MiraLax).
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Which is better MiraLAX or Metamucil?

Metamucil (psyllium)

Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) provides effective relief of constipation without "cramping" your style. Helps get things moving. Metamucil (psyllium) is a natural fiber that is cheap and effective at relieving constipation. Miralax is the most recommended laxative by pharmacists and doctors.
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How fast does Dulcolax work?

It will take between 10-60 minutes to work and therefore should preferably be used in the morning. It will usually have its effect within 30 minutes.
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Is there a laxative that works immediately?

Stimulant laxatives are the fastest-acting, such as include aloe, cascara (Nature's Remedy), senna compounds (Ex-Lax, Senokot), bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Correctol), and castor oil.
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Can I take Dulcolax for constipation?

It sounds like you need relief. We recommend Dulcolax® Pink Stool Softener or Dulcolax® Stool Softener to combat your constipation. Fortunately, you have options – Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets and Dulcolax® Laxative Suppositories work at different paces.
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How quickly does MiraLAX work?

Bowel movements usually begin within 1 hour of drinking the first dose, but it may take longer for some people. Don't worry if you don't start having bowel movements after drinking the first half of the MiraLAX. Continue to drink liquids and start the second half of the MiraLAX as instructed.
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What is the best laxative for the elderly?

Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
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Which is better senokot or Dulcolax?

Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) works fast and the suppositories work even faster to relieve your constipation, as long as you're okay with it "cramping" your style a bit. Relieves occasional constipation. Senokot (senna) is gentle and effective for occasional constipation, but it can't be used as a long-term treatment.
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Who should not take Dulcolax?

Conditions: appendicitis. blockage of the stomach or intestine. the inability to control a bowel movement.
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Is 2 Dulcolax too much?

Do NOT take more than ONE unless you are day before bowel prepping. This medication is safe to take daily, ONE per day, as that is what we give patients in hospital (I'm also a nurse). These patients don't have side effects. But it's important to only take ONE.
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Is Colace better than MiraLAX?

Colace (docusate)

Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) provides effective relief of constipation without "cramping" your style. Softens your stools. Colace (docusate) softens the stool, but may not stimulate a bowel movement as quickly as a laxative. Miralax is the most recommended laxative by pharmacists and doctors.
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Is Milk of Magnesia and MiraLAX the same thing?

MiraLAX is used for short-term treatment of constipation and long-term treatment of chronic constipation. It's also used for bowel prep before colonoscopy. Milk of magnesia is used for short-term treatment of constipation. It's not currently recommended for long-term treatment of chronic constipation.
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Is it OK to take Metamucil every day?

Answer From Michael F. Picco, M.D. There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful. Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation.
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What are the signs of an impacted bowel?

Common symptoms include:
  • Abdominal cramping and bloating.
  • Leakage of liquid or sudden episodes of watery diarrhea in someone who has chronic (long-term) constipation.
  • Rectal bleeding.
  • Small, semi-formed stools.
  • Straining when trying to pass stools.
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What are the dangers of MiraLAX?

Common side effects may include: bloating, gas, upset stomach; dizziness; or. increased sweating.
...
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
  • severe or bloody diarrhea;
  • rectal bleeding;
  • blood in your stools; or.
  • severe and worsening stomach pain.
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