Constipation can be caused by many different factors including:
Dehydration and low daily water intake
Too much dairy, fast, fatty, fried foods, red meats
Alcohol consumption
Certain medications
How to Treat Constipation
Increase dietary fiber intake (whole grains found in cereals, breads, and brown rice, beans, vegetables and fresh or dried fruits)
Increase water intake, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
Decrease fatty food intake such as milk and cheese, processed foods and red meats
Regular exercise can help the bowels move and help with constipation
Take medications to relieve constipation
Over-the-Counter Treatment
Docusate Stool Softeners
Acts by allowing water and fatty substances mix
Usually used as a preventative measure and not treatment of constipation
Can be taken with other constipation medications for increased effect
Administration
100mg or 1 capsule once to twice daily
12 to 72 hours onset
Side Effects
Mild nausea
Abdominal cramps
Psyllium / Metamucil Bulking Agents
Safest type of laxative
Adds water to increase stool weight a consistency
Admin
3.6g once to 3 times a day
Must be taken with water or else can make constipation worse
Take other medications 2 hours apart
Suitable for long term use
Side Effects
Bloating
Gassy
Abdominal discomfort
Senna and Bisacodyl Stimulants
Stimulates the bowels to promote fecal matter movement
Admin
Senna: 1 to 4 tabs at bedtime
Bisacodyl: 5 - 10 mg once daily or as needed
Onset 6-12 hours
Cannot drink with milk or antacids
Side Effects
Abdominal pain and cramps
Electrolyte imbalance, do not take if your doctor says you have this
Magnesium citrate Osmotic Laxatives
Useful for rapid response (Magnesium citrate)
Used more for acute situations, not recommended long term
Stimulates gut movement
Administration:
30-60mL once daily or in divided doses
Side Effect
Nausea
Cramping
Diarrhea
PEG Restoralax or Lax-a-Day
Administration:
17g once daily mixed with water
Onset 24-48 hours
Side effects
Nausea cramping and diarrhea
Glycerin
Admin
1 suppository once to twice daily or as needed
Rectal
Rapid onset 15 minutes to 1 hour
Side effect
Rectal discomfort or burning
Pregnancy
Psyllium is considered best in pregnancy induced constipation
Senna and bisacodyl can be used in the short term
Do not use docusate ( ineffective)
Castor/Mineral oils
Children
Glycerin suppositories
Lactulose
PEG
Bisacodyl can be used above age of 3
Senna can be used above age of 2
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Blood in your stool
Constant and excessive straining during bowel movements
Constipated for a long period of time (3 weeks or more)
Stomach pain associated with constipation
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