Therapies for Constipation

  • Laxatives/Stimulants - e.g. senna, bisocodyl, wetting agents like docusate (“colace”)
  • Bulk agents - high fiber foods that resist bacterial breakdown, need to increase fluid intake or constipation will worsen.
  • Lubricants - mineral oil for acute constipation or fecal impaction not for prolonged use
  • Hyperosmotic agents - agents pass through small bowel and draw water into the colon: sugars (laculose, sorbitol, mannitol, glycerin) or salts (polyethlene glycol (miralax).
  • Prokinetic drugs - decrease bowel transit time, e.g. metoclopramide.
  • Natural laxatives - fruits, juices, puddings, etc
  • Enemas - saline, tap water, soap suds, oil retention