OTC Constipation Medications
OTC remedies work well for many people with constipation due to CIC or IBS-C.
These have the advantage of being readily available at drugstores without a prescription.
Soluble fiber is found in psyllium, oat bran, barley, and beans.
John Fedele / Blend Images / Getty Images
Insoluble fiber is found in wheat bran, whole grains, and some vegetables.
The increase in intestinal water softens and bulks the stool, normalizing the consistency.
There are a few common types of osmotic laxatives.
Miralax (polyethylene glycol, a.k.a.
PEG)is a laxative powder that your healthcare provider may recommend to ease your constipation.
Miralax draws water into the stool, softening it and inducing the urge for a bowel movement.
Sorbitolis a sugar alcohol known as a polyol.
See your provider about whether one of the medications below might be a good fit for your symptoms.
Lactulose is generally recommended for short-term use.
Safety of use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is uncertain.
This helps to accelerate transit of the stool through the bowel and works well as a constipation medication.
Ibsrela may also help alleviate abdominal pain.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are not formally approved as a treatment for chronic idiopathic constipation or IBS-C.
They recommend starting at a low dose and then working up until relief is achieved.
Some clinicians recommend SSRIs more often for constipation and TCAs for diarrhea.
Antispasmodics
Antispasmodicsare muscle relaxants.
Bentyl (dicyclomine) and Levsin (hyoscyamine) are antispasmodics sometimes used for the treatment of IBS-C. With the exception of lactulose, prescription IBS-C medications are not approved for use during pregnancy.
IBS-C symptoms include abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, chronic constipation, and gas.
If you suspect you have IBS-C, talk to your healthcare provider about testing and treatment.
Dietary changes are commonly the first line of treatment for IBS-C.
The general advice is to eat more fiber, avoid gluten, or follow a low-FODMAP diet.
UpToDate.Patient education: Constipation in adults (Beyond the Basics).
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Lactulose solution[drug label].
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Amitizalubiprostone capsule, gelatin coated[drug label].
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Trulance immediate releaseplecanatide tablet[drug label].
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Linzesslinaclotide capsule, gelatin coated[drug label].
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Motegrityprucalopride tablet, film coated[drug label].
Rapid review of existing guidelines and recommendations.Prz Gastroenterol.
