Action mode of gut motility, fluid and electrolyte transport in chronic constipation. Management of Constipation in Older Adults. Chronic constipation: current treatment options. Understanding the Physics of Functional Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract: An Evidence-Based Approach to Resolving Enduring Misconceptions about Insoluble and Soluble Fiber. Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms. Ho K-S, Tan CYM, Mohd Daud MA, Seow-Choen F. Effect of laxatives and pharmacological therapies in chronic idiopathic constipation: systematic review and meta-analysis. Talk with your healthcare provider to ensure that these laxatives are right for you.įord AC, Suares NC. Since osmotic laxatives draw water to the stool, overusing these medications may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. There are safer and more effective options available. Milk of magnesia is no longer widely recommended because of the potential complications it may cause for patients with heart or kidney disease.Lactulose increases the speed of intestinal contractions, stimulating bowel movements.Miralax has been found to cause less gas and bloating than other osmotic laxatives.

It also stimulates more frequent bowel movements. Miralax, the brand name for polyethylene glycol PEG, acts similarly to fiber laxatives, as it draws water into the stool making it softer and easier to pass.The three major osmotic laxatives are Miralax, lactulose, and milk of magnesia. Osmotic laxatives work by increasing the amount of fluid secreted within the intestines, resulting in softer and easier-to-pass stools. Some medications that interact with these supplements include antidepressants, diabetes medications, and carbamazepine. Talk with your healthcare provider to ensure your medications are safe to take with a fiber supplement. It's much less likely to cause intestinal gas than other fiber laxatives.Īs with all laxatives, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids while using fiber supplements, or else they could actually worsen constipation.įiber supplements can interact with other medications and reduce or delay their effectiveness. Methylcellulose, like polycarbophil, is plant-based and absorbs water in the gut.One drawback: It needs to be spaced out with other medications you're taking to ensure they're absorbed properly. Calcium polycarbophil absorbs water in the digestive tract, making stools softer and bulkier.One big side effect: Psyllium can cause intestinal gas. It's used for a range of conditions, including IBS and diverticulosis (note that it's not recommended for diverticulitis). Psyllium breaks down in the gut and becomes a food source for the good gut bacteria.There are three basic types, each of which uses a different ingredient, such as psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, or methylcellulose. Fiber supplements soften the stool and stimulate a bowel movement.

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