List of Laxatives + Uses, Types & Side Effests - Drugs.com
Apr 14, 2023 · Laxatives are medicines that help resolve constipation or empty the bowel of fecal matter before procedures or surgery involving the lower bowel. There are several different types available …
Laxatives: What They Do, Types & How To Use - Cleveland Clinic
Jul 10, 2023 · Laxatives treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating your bowels to get moving so you can poop. Common types include bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, …
Top 4 Laxatives for Constipation: How to Use Them - Verywell Health
Nov 19, 2025 · Bulk-forming laxatives are the safest type and can take 12 hours to three days to work. Stimulant laxatives work within 6 to 8 hours and should be used only for a short time. If you are …
Best Laxatives, 7 Pharmacist-Ranked Brands for 2025 | U.S. News
Our panel of pharmacists provided their expert rankings of the best laxatives. Also view Best Stool Softeners, Best Diarrhea Medicines and Best Hemorrhoid Treatments. Please consult your health...
Nonprescription laxatives for constipation: Use with caution
Jan 26, 2024 · Looking for a laxative to relieve constipation? Learn how different nonprescription medicines work and be aware of some risks.
Don't bomb the bowel with laxatives - Harvard Health
Jun 30, 2023 · Bulk-forming laxatives draw water into stool, making it softer and easier to pass. But don't expect instant gratification: these can take a half-day to several days to provide relief. They are safe …
Laxatives for Constipation: Treatments, Use, Safety - WebMD
Jun 11, 2024 · Laxatives contain chemicals that help increase stool motility, bulk, and frequency -- thus relieving temporary constipation. But when misused or overused, they can cause problems, including...
Laxative - Wikipedia
Laxatives, purgatives, or aperients are substances that loosen stools [1] and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation. Laxatives vary as to how they work and …
The Best Laxatives and Stool Softeners for Constipation - GoodRx
Oct 20, 2025 · There are certain steps you can take on your own for constipation. These include adding more fiber to your diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise. If that doesn’t work, …
How do laxatives work, and will they help with constipation?
Dec 11, 2024 · Laxatives can help with constipation by drawing fluid into the colon (osmotic laxatives), increasing the bulk of stool (fiber supplements), or by increasing motility (stimulant laxatives). …