Constipation Medication: What Are Your Options?

Did you know that around 33 out of 100 adults over the age of 60 suffer from constipation symptoms? If you are currently dealing with constipation symptoms then it is good to become aware of your constipation medication options. We have put together this short guide to help you navigate this situation and help get you on the road to feeling better.

Keep reading to learn your top options.

1. Laxatives

Laxatives for constipation are a popular option because you can get them over the counter without a prescription. One laxative option is stool softeners. These work because they moisten the stool by drawing some water from the intestines.

Another popular laxative is fiber supplements. Fiber will help add bulk to your stool which is much easier to pass when you go to the bathroom. Some common fiber supplements include wheat dextrin, methylcellulose, psyllium, or calcium polycarbophil.

Enemas and suppositories are another way to get your digestive system going. Enemas with tap water or even boiled water can help soften stool and make you go to the bathroom.

Suppositories also provide stimulation along with lubrication to help move stool out of your body. These will go directly into your rectum and will make your intestines squeeze. This squeeze will in turn help you have a bowel movement.

You can click for more here if you would rather order online vs going into the store to pick up OTC medications for constipation.

2. Draw Water Into Intestines

If you have more chronic constipation then an option is a prescription medication that helps draw water into your intestines. This is great especially if you also have IBS or irritable bowel syndrome.

Some common prescription meds include linaclotide (Linzess), lubriprostone (Amitiza), and plecanatide (Trulance). When water is drawn into the intestines it will speed up the movement of your stool.

3. PAMORAs

When you are dealing with constipation that is caused by side effects from opioid pain meds that you have to take then you will benefit from PAMORAs (peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists). These prescription medications will help reverse the effects that the opioids have on your intestine and they will help keep your bowels moving.

4. Osmotics

Another common medication for constipation is osmotics because they also help draw water into the large intestine. This will make your stool softer and help your bowels move. Keep in mind that some of the side effects include nausea and cramping diarrhea.

For those that have kidney failure or heart failure, it is best to first check with a doctor before using this medication.

Ready to Try Constipation Medication?

We hope that now that you learned more about constipation medication you can make an informed decision about what you can try out to help your symptoms and make you feel better in no time.

If this article came in handy please feel free to continue browsing our health section for more tips and tricks.