The most common constipation treatments are based upon increasing the amount of fiber in the diet. Most constipation medications are made up of bulking agents that help to promote the body’s natural digestion process. Sometimes enemas are used to aid in stool evacuation and these are easily available in at home kits. Peristaltic stimulants are marketed to help with this as well, but these have been shown to cause damage that can lead to impaired bowel motility.

Medications for constipation that contain Psyllium not only creates a viscous liquid in the intestines that increases bowel movements, but also adds bulk to your stool that stimulates your natural digestion process. You can find Psyllium in popular brand name products such as Metamucil and Fiberall. These fiber supplements come in drink mixes, wafers and capsules and are available in a range of flavors.

Medications containing the bulk-forming agent Methylcellulose will also help to increase bowel movements by stimulating the intestines. They will also add bulk to your stool, which promotes regularity in bowel motility. Methylcellulose can be found in the common over-the-counter medication, Citrucel in the form of an easily ingested powder or tablet.

For more immediate relief of the discomfort of constipation, look for medications that contain Magnesium Hydroxide, such as Milk of Magnesia. This will increase the amount of fluids in the intestines, stimulating bowel movements. Milk of Magnesia comes in the traditional liquid form as well as in capsules and chewable tablets.

As a preventative measure, take a mild stool softener daily such as Colace. This will help to prevent future constipation by loosening stool blockages and improving bowel motility. Note that this is a long-term supplement that often takes a few days to begin working. It will, however, provide considerable relief to those who suffer from chronic constipation. This medication comes in liquid form but is rather bitter tasting, and is best mixed with a glass of juice.

Laxatives should be seen as a last resort and used with extreme caution. While they are strong bowel stimulants that will induce movement, they are extremely hard on the intestines and only provide temporary relief to the discomfort of constipation. Abuse of medication for constipation can lead to damage of the intestines and lasting complications. In an urgent situation, medications such as Dulcolax and Senekot capsules provide immediate relief, but must be taken with caution.

In severe circumstances, Sodium Phosphate enemas can provide temporary but immediate relief. As with laxatives, enemas should be seen as a last resort and must be used with caution. They will cause rapid bowel movements that clear any stool obstructions in the intestines, but only provide a temporary solution.

If none of the over the counter constipation medication provides lasting relief in your treatment of constipation, ask your doctor about the various prescription medications designed to treat constipation such as Miralax, Enulose or Zelnorm.

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