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Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Top of the page. Topic Overview Many prescription and non-prescription medicines can cause constipation. Examples include: Antacids. Some blood pressure medicines. The best time for a bowel movement is 20 to 40 minutes after a meal.
Attempt to have a bowel movement every day at the same time. Digital stimulation may help. Use this method every day until you establish a routine. In addition to lifestyle changes, there are over-the-counter laxatives and prescription drugs to relieve constipation.
Always read the medication guide before using any of the following products. While there are medications that cause constipation, others can cause other digestive problems, like stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact your doctor if you develop diarrhea, as it can be a sign of fecal impaction. Fiber-based laxatives , also called bulk formers, increase water in your stools to make them softer. Common fiber-based laxatives include:. Stool softeners , also called emollient laxatives, add moisture to your stools to make it easier to pass them.
Commonly used stool softeners include:. Stimulant laxatives work by stimulating nerves in your digestive tract, triggering the muscles in your large intestine to contract, pushing your stool through. Commonly used stimulant laxatives include:. Osmotic laxatives pull water from surrounding tissue into your digestive tract to make it easier for the stool to pass through the intestine.
Commonly used osmotic laxatives include:. For many people, making lifestyle changes and using over-the-counter laxatives will help relieve constipation. For instance, one patient may be used to having one—or more—bowel movements a day whereas another patient could be used to one bowel movement every few days. Doctors typically define constipation as three or fewer bowel movements per week. In the case of constipation or chronic constipation, healthcare providers may prescribe one of the following prescription drugs:.
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