Agents Used to Prevent or Treat Constipation
Agents Used to Prevent or Treat Constipation
Agent | Some Side Effects | Comments |
|---|---|---|
Bulking agents (fiber)* | ||
Bran | Bloating, passing of gas (flatulence), and poor absorption of iron and calcium | Bulking agents generally are used to prevent or control chronic constipation. |
Polycarbophil | Bloating and flatulence | |
Methylcellulose | Less bloating than with other fiber agents | |
Psyllium | Bloating and flatulence | |
Stool softeners | ||
Docusate | — | Stool softeners may be used to treat constipation and are often used to help prevent it. Docusate is not effective for severe constipation. |
Glycerin | Rectal irritation | |
Mineral oil | Lung inflammation caused by fats in the lungs (lipid pneumonia), poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, dehydration, and loss of control over bowel movements ( fecal incontinence Fecal Incontinence Fecal incontinence is the loss of control over bowel movements. Fecal incontinence can occur briefly during bouts of diarrhea or when hard stool becomes lodged in the rectum ( fecal impaction)... read more ) | |
Osmotic agents | ||
Lactulose | Abdominal cramps and flatulence | Osmotic agents are better for treating constipation than for preventing it. |
Magnesium salts (magnesium hydroxide and magnesium citrate) | Too much magnesium in the body (magnesium toxicity), dehydration, abdominal cramps, and fecal incontinence | |
Polyethylene glycol | Fecal incontinence (related to dosage) | |
Sodium phosphate | Rare cases of sudden kidney failure | |
Sorbitol | Abdominal cramps and flatulence | |
Stimulant laxatives | ||
Anthraquinones (found in senna, cascara, and castor oil) | Abdominal cramps and dehydration | Stimulant laxatives are not used if there is a possibility of an intestinal obstruction. Prolonged use can damage the large intestine. |
Bisacodyl | Fecal incontinence, a low level of potassium in the blood ( hypokalemia Hypokalemia (Low Level of Potassium in the Blood) In hypokalemia, the level of potassium in blood is too low. A low potassium level has many causes but usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, adrenal gland disorders, or use of diuretics. A... read more ), abdominal cramps, and rectal burning with daily use of the suppository form | |
Linaclotide† | Abdominal cramps, flatulence Not used in children | |
Lubiprostone† | Nausea, particularly when the drug is taken on an empty stomach, and headache | Lubiprostone can be used for chronic constipation. It is available for long-term use. |
Plecanatide† | Dizziness, urinary tract infection (not common) | |
Prucalopride† | Headache, abdominal pain, increased risk of depression and suicidal behavior | |
Enemas | ||
Mineral oil or olive oil retention | Fecal incontinence | Although rare, giving an enema can injure the rectum if the procedure is done roughly. |
Tap water | Fluid overload if a lot of water is absorbed | |
Phosphate | A high level of phosphate in the blood ( hyperphosphatemia Hyperphosphatemia (High Level of Phosphate in the Blood) In hyperphosphatemia, the level of phosphate in blood is too high. (See also Overview of Electrolytes and Overview of Phosphate's Role in the Body.) Phosphate is one of the body's electrolytes... read more ) | |
Soapsuds | Cramps | |
* The dose of fiber supplements should be gradually increased over several weeks to the recommended dose. | ||
† This drug is available only by prescription. | ||