Patient EducationJul | 3 | 2019
When a healthy diet is not enough to ease constipation, sometimes you might need to use medication. There are at least five types of medication that your doctor might recommend. Each type of medication eases constipation differently.
Please talk with your doctor before starting a medication.
Medication
Effect on the Body
Benefiber®
Metamucil®
Citrucel®
Keeps your stomach and intestines healthy
Makes passing stool happen regularly
Colace® (also called ducosate)
Softens stool, making it easier to pass
Mineral oil
Coats your intestines to help stool move more easily through your intestines
Senna
Dulcolax®
ex-lax®
Moves stool faster through your intestines
MiraLAX® (also called polyethylene glycol)
Milk of magnesia
Lactulose
Waters down stool
MGH and MGfC do not endorse any of the brands on this webpage. This content is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed. It is not a substitute for a doctor's medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.
Rev: 1/2015
Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General for Children do not endorse any of the brands listed on this webpage. This webpage is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.
Patient resources for the Down Syndrome Program.
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