What is the best remedy for constipation?

The role of laxatives

Constipation occurs in the life of every person; the pharmaceutical industry offers a large selection of laxatives to facilitate the evacuation of waste products from the body. Medicines are produced in tablets, drops, solutions and effectively act on the symptoms of the pathological condition.

Before purchasing, patients try to find a suitable complex that quickly relieves constipation and is not addictive. Most medications have a one-time effect that does not eliminate the cause of the abnormalities.

To avoid the pathology becoming chronic or to reduce the number of laxatives taken, the patient must reconsider their usual diet and lifestyle. Otherwise, he will constantly need medications, and if used incorrectly, the person will not be able to go to the toilet normally without them.

How does a fast-acting laxative work?

Fast-acting drugs are aimed at activating the contraction of the intestinal walls, irritating its mucous membrane. The results from them appear quickly, which cannot be said about long-acting laxatives. However, with repeated use, receptor depletion and addiction may occur.

Important! As a result of drug abuse, the body may “refuse” to perform its functions, and painful sensations will appear in the abdomen with each bowel movement. Therefore, it is recommended to take fast-acting medications only for acute constipation.

People with individual intolerance should avoid using strong fast-acting laxatives. Medicines should not be used if there is intestinal obstruction or internal bleeding. They should also not be used by infants, during pregnancy or by women breastfeeding.

Types of laxative

Doctors divide all available pharmaceutical drugs against constipation into four types:

Irritating action

They are common but dangerous pharmacological substances for the body. The active components irritate the receptors located in the colon; 6-11 hours after taking the dose, the patient receives the expected results.

Medicines are considered dangerous due to many contraindications for use and adverse reactions. Long-term use of laxatives from this group provokes the development of laxative disease. Pathology refers to complications of uncontrolled use of medications against constipation.

Bulk preparations

Medicines of natural origin are easily absorbed, but are not digested by the body. The list of products used at home is presented:

When substances penetrate the gastrointestinal tract, they begin to adsorb water, stretch the intestinal walls and activate peristalsis. The elements begin to work 12 hours after application.

Prebiotics

The laxative subgroup includes species that are not digested in the upper part of the intestine. When they enter the gastrointestinal tract, they activate the growth of beneficial microflora. Popular products include Lactulose, Inulin, and fructooligosaccharides.

The use of one of the types normalizes the intestinal flora and organ function. The disadvantages of this subgroup include active gas formation, which spontaneously disappears 1-2 days after use.

Osmotic

The drugs are known for their effectiveness; they do not have a specific smell or taste. The main representatives of the group are:

When taken, water retention in the intestines is observed, which helps soften stool and increase pressure in the rectal area.

The best laxatives that irritate intestinal receptors

A group of drugs based on defenols and anthraglycosides irritates the receptors of the large intestine, due to which defecation occurs after 6-8 hours.

Such products do not interfere with the absorption of nutrients, so they are suitable for regular use for chronic constipation and age-related intestinal atony.

Such laxatives also have disadvantages. Thus, they form an addiction and often provoke stomach colic and flatulence.

Boehringer Ingelheim International GMBH "Dulcolax" - a mild laxative with a prolonged effect

4.9

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Laxative tablets contain 5 mg of diphenylmethane derivative. The drug is prescribed to adults and children over 4 years of age for chronic constipation caused by intestinal hypotension, as well as in preparation for operations.

The minimum daily dosage is 1 tablet, and for long-term treatment of an adult it can be increased to 10 mg.

Additional components of the composition are castor oil and vegetable wax. Long-term use of the drug and increasing the dose often provoke abdominal cramps, diarrhea, hypotension and dizziness.

Avoid taking Dulcolax during pregnancy, in case of intestinal obstruction and acute forms of abdominal diseases.

Advantages:

• Mild laxative effect;
• Provides bowel movement after 6 hours;
• Suitable for regular use;
• Can be prescribed from 4 years of age;
• Minimum contraindications;
• Affordable price (200 rubles).

Flaws:

• Contraindicated for pregnant women;
• Addictive.

Dulcolax is recommended for regular use for chronic constipation by people who do not have diseases of the digestive system. To avoid bowel movements at night, take the product before bed.

Senokot – herbal stimulator of intestinal motility

4.8

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96%

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A herbal laxative in tablet form is suitable for adults and children over 10 years of age. A product based on senna stimulates the peristalsis of the large intestine and ensures bowel movements after 8-12 hours.

The mild drug does not have a toxic effect, so it can be taken for a long time. The recommended daily dosage for adults is up to 4 tablets, while children are given the drug 1 capsule no more than 2 times a day.

Exceeding recommended doses leads to flatulence, nausea, stomach pain, dehydration and allergic reactions.

Taking Senokot during pregnancy provokes increased contractions of the uterus and can cause miscarriage.

Avoid this medicine if you have diseases of the cardiovascular system, as its long-term use provokes arrhythmia.

Advantages:

• Plant composition;
• Can be taken for a long period;
• At recommended dosages, adverse reactions are unlikely;
• Has a prolonged action;
• Suitable for children from 10 years old.

Flaws:

• Prohibited during pregnancy.

Senokot is a mild laxative for regular use, recommended for the treatment of age-related intestinal atony.

Herbion KRKA dd “Laksana” – bowel brush

4.8

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96%

buyers recommend this product

The herbal laxative contains 33.5 mg of senna bifolia leaves. The drug in tablet form stimulates the colon, ensuring bowel movements after 8 hours.

The drug is taken in the evening after meals, 1-2 tablets. The duration of treatment varies from person to person, but do not take the complex for more than 2 weeks without a doctor’s prescription.

Herbion Laxana is suitable for the treatment of constipation from the age of 12, but with a long course it becomes addictive and requires increasing dosages, which makes its use impractical.

The drug is contraindicated for pregnant women, intestinal obstruction and chronic stomach diseases. Do not exceed recommended doses to avoid allergic reactions, stomach pain, diarrhea, dehydration and heart rhythm disturbances.

Advantages:

• Plant composition;
• Soft action;
• Suitable for long-term use;
• In small doses it does not provoke adverse reactions;
• Affordable price (150 rubles).

Flaws:

• Addictive;
• Contraindicated for pregnant women.

Gerbion Laxana is a relatively safe laxative that can be taken for regular constipation if it is temporarily impossible to see a doctor.

Herbal preparations and non-addictive medications

Medicines based on natural ingredients are included in a separate subgroup of laxatives. Treatment of constipation is carried out:

The components increase the volume of feces due to the absorption of water in the intestines, which causes its evacuation from the body. Despite their plant origin, the drugs of this group are prohibited from being taken for more than 2 months in a row.

Non-addictive laxatives include a number of medications:

Guttalax - a mild, laxative effect is observed 10 hours after consuming the solution. The medicine is approved for the treatment of pregnant women and minors.

Prelax - contains lactulose, which has a positive effect regardless of the type of disorder (acute or chronic). The drug relieves constipation and at the same time normalizes intestinal microflora.

Forlax is characterized by a minimal number of contraindications for use. It is allowed for long-term treatment and is not addictive.

Herbal remedies that release and restore the functionality of the intestines include Fitomucil. It is part of a group of popular laxatives with proven safety.

The best laxatives with plant fibers

Such preparations contain fiber from plants, fruits and cereals, necessary for the formation of feces and normal intestinal motility.

Safe products for regular use for chronic constipation normalize microflora, have a detox effect and prevent the formation of gallstones.

PharmaMed "Fitomucil Norm" - the key to normal intestinal function

5.0

★★★★★

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100%

buyers recommend this product

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Powder made from crushed plum fruits and plantain seeds is a rich source of dietary fiber that normalizes intestinal motility.

Once in the body, they turn into a gel that softens the stool, making it easy and painless to pass.

The drug is recommended for children over 3 years of age, pregnant women, the elderly and anyone who suffers from chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, excess weight, obesity and dysbacteriosis.

Fitomucil is taken regularly, 1-4 teaspoons with a glass of liquid before or after meals. Due to its natural composition, the product has no adverse reactions, but refrain from taking it if you have intestinal obstruction and acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Advantages:

• Safe herbal composition;
• Minimum contraindications;
• Mild laxative effect;
• Can be taken regularly;
• Normalizes intestinal microflora;
• Used in complex therapy of obesity.

Flaws:

• Does not have an express effect.

Phytomucil is a safe food supplement that normalizes intestinal function and is suitable for almost every person.

Evalar "Fibralax" - a mild laxative for everyone

4.9

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98%

buyers recommend this product

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Laxative from psyllium seeds in powder form is suitable for the treatment of episodic and chronic constipation, even for children, pregnant women and the elderly.

The product in powder form in individual packages must be taken 1 sachet up to 3 times a day.

For symptomatic treatment of constipation, take Fibralax for 2 days. The duration of therapy for chronic illness is 4 weeks.

The complex is contraindicated in case of diabetes mellitus and allergies to the active substance. When taking it for constipation, drink at least 2 liters of water per day.

Advantages:

• Plant composition;
• Painless defecation;
• Prolonged action;
• Minimal contraindications;
• Has no adverse reactions;
• Can be taken occasionally and long-term.

Flaws:

• The expected effect occurs only after 16-24 hours.

Fibralax ensures painless passage of stool for hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Defi Healthcare "Intestinorm" - plantain seed with detox effect

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

96%

buyers recommend this product

Plant dietary fiber has a mild laxative and detoxifying effect. Powder from crushed plantain is recommended for chronic constipation, obesity, allergies and skin rashes.

The drug is available in a sachet for single use. The contents of the sachet must be dissolved in 200 ml of liquid and taken before or after meals with a glass of clean water. Frequency of administration: 2-3 times a day.

The product can be taken from the age of 14, including during pregnancy and lactation. In addition to stimulating peristalsis, the complex has antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory effects.

Intestinorm is a safe food supplement that has no adverse reactions, but its use is contraindicated in case of intestinal obstruction and type 2 diabetes.

Advantages:

• Plant composition;
• Prolonged action;
• Mild laxative effect;
• Not addictive;
• Minimum contraindications.

Flaws:

• There is no quick effect.

Intestinorm is recommended for the treatment and prevention of constipation for people who are not suitable for synthetic laxatives.

Features of taking medications

do not forget about the causes and characteristics of the course of the pathological condition when searching for a suitable remedy;

chronic constipation requires a separate approach to the problem: intake is calculated every 72 hours or daily use with regular breaks every week;

in case of complex disorders of intestinal functionality, laxatives are included in complex therapy, supplemented with medications that improve peristalsis;

therapeutic procedures should begin with osmotic or herbal preparations; saline or stimulating options are used in the absence of effectiveness from gentle drugs.

Laxative complexes are taken on an empty stomach. If the patient needs quick release from accumulated feces, then he needs medications in the form of microenemas and suppositories.

Therapists do not advise getting carried away with this subgroup of drugs due to the high risk of developing lazy bowel syndrome. The pathological condition is practically untreatable, forcing the patient to periodically use special medications.

All materials presented on the site are for educational purposes only and are not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The site administration, editors and authors of articles are not responsible for any consequences or losses that may arise when using site materials.

Source

Which laxative is best after surgery?

Painkillers and anesthesia used during surgery inhibit the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this, patients are at risk of experiencing constipation after surgery. There are many ways to get rid of it; taking the necessary medications plays a big role in this:

• Stool softeners . These are drugs that saturate bowel movements with moisture and facilitate its passage through the intestines.
• Mild laxatives (for example, Mucofalk or Fitomucil Norm). There are two types: osmotic and stimulating contraction of the intestinal walls. After surgery, it is advisable to use both stool softeners and osmotic laxatives.
• Lubricants (such as fish oil or mineral oil). Their effect resembles the work of stool softeners, because... they also facilitate the passage of feces. But this effect is achieved due to the lubrication of the intestinal walls.
• Suppositories . The glycerin contained in the suppositories is absorbed into the muscles of the rectum, bringing them to a slight contraction. This allows stool to pass freely through the intestines.
• Enema . Instantly copes with constipation, but has contraindications.

Important information! After surgery, it is important to take the right pain medications that do not cause constipation, drink plenty of fluids, take fiber supplements, maintain a diet, maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise a lot, and visit the restroom regularly.

Don't be shy about talking to your doctor about bowel problems. And at the first hint of constipation, immediately take measures so as not to worsen your condition.

Which laxative to choose video review

What is constipation

Constipation is considered to be a delay in bowel movements for more than two days. This condition is also characterized by incomplete bowel movement, accompanied by unpleasant sensations, changes in the consistency of stool and the need for excessive straining during bowel movements.

Most often, people who neglect the rules of a healthy diet and lead a sedentary lifestyle are susceptible to constipation. Constipation is classified according to two criteria: etiology (cause of occurrence) and pathogenesis (mechanism of development).

According to etiology, constipation is divided into:

• Primary. They arise as a result of congenital or acquired pathologies of the colon.
• Secondary. They are a consequence of another disease, injury, as well as side effects of pharmacological drugs.
• Idiopathic. This definition hides the impossibility of finding out the exact cause of intestinal dysfunction. Constipation of unknown etiology is also called cryptogenic.

Classification by pathogenesis:

• Nutritional. Develops when the diet is disrupted and water consumption decreases.
• Mechanical. Caused by neoplasms in the large intestine. They can be tumors, polyps or lymph node clots, as well as adhesions or kinks.
• Dyskinetic. It occurs due to impaired intestinal motility, which is a consequence of nervous tension. This type of constipation is also called neurogenic.

Constipation symptoms

Strictly speaking, constipation itself is a symptom or side effect. At least, modern medicine does not consider it as an independent disease, although formally constipation is included in the list of diseases according to ICD-10. If we talk about accompanying manifestations (not to be confused with criteria), then they include:

• a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the lower abdomen and rectum;
• decreased appetite;
• loss of strength, irritability, depression;
• bloating, flatulence;
• feeling of incomplete bowel movement.

Medicines

Most often, medications are used as laxatives for weight loss and cleansing the body. They are sold freely in pharmacies (mostly without prescriptions). And again, among hundreds of names of drugs, you will have to choose one. Small mini-ratings can give you at least a little guidance in this market.

Leaders in our rating of laxatives for colon cleansing

Fast acting

Fast-acting drugs are used for emergency bowel cleansing (for example, in case of poisoning). They are used one time. When taken regularly, they are addictive and upset the gastrointestinal tract.

This list includes:

• glycerin suppositories;
• Carlsbad salt;
• castor oil;
• magnesia;
• Bisacodyl;
• Microlax (microenemas);
• Senade, Senadexin - preparations based on senna
• sodium sulfate;
• Fortrans (3-4 sachets throughout the day), usually prescribed before operations, not recommended for long-term use;
• Lavacol is an analogue of Fortrans;
• Endofalk.

Everyone wants to cleanse as quickly as possible, so fast-acting laxatives are often chosen unnecessarily. The result is spoiled microflora and deterioration of well-being. Be extremely careful in terms of dosages with this group of medications.

Vegetable

Herbal laxatives for colon cleansing are made from natural ingredients. They are almost harmless and quite effective. These include:

• Agiolax - phytogranules, which include Indian flea beetle seeds and senna fruits;
• Depuraflux contains horsetail, yarrow, anise, fennel
• Kafiol is a herbal remedy that contains plum pulp, senna, figs, and petroleum jelly;
• Laminarid - seaweed;
• senna leaves are available as tablets and a ready-made pharmacy collection, from which you can prepare an infusion and drink it for a week;
• Mukofalk, Naturolax - oval plantain seeds;
• Musinum - buckthorn bark, boldo leaves, green anise fruits, Alexandrian leaf;
• Proctophytol - senna, buckthorn, yarrow, coriander, licorice;
• Ramnil - buckthorn bark;
• RectActive - rectal suppositories with horse chestnut fruit extract;
• Senade - senna;
• Phytolax from fruits, dietary fiber and herbs;
• laxative herbal mixtures numbered 1 and 2.

Do you suffer from a tendency to various types of allergies? In this case, herbal laxatives are unlikely to suit you.

Salt

Cleansing with salt medications has a good effect:

• Epsom salt (magnesia) removes bile, improves peristalsis, and retains fluid;
• Glauberian stimulates the entire gastrointestinal tract, irritates the mucous membrane and walls;
• Karlovy Vary removes bile and stimulates peristalsis.

High-quality and effective cleansing of the intestines with medical preparations based on saline solutions tempts many. But before you get carried away with them, study the list of side effects for each of them.

Rating of the best

And finally, the general top 10 most effective laxatives that can be purchased at the pharmacy:

1. Fleet Phospho-soda (Fleet Phospho-soda) is a laxative with osmotic properties. $11.4 for 2 bottles of suspension, 45 ml each.
2. Forlax (Forlax) from Ipsen Pharma (France) is the best laxative for cleansing the intestines. $2.6 for 10 bags.
3. Guttalax - fast-acting drops without flavoring additives or aromas. $7.7 for 50 tablets.
4. Duphalact is the mildest laxative, approved even for pregnant women and the elderly. $5.2 for 200 ml of syrup.
5. Liquid paraffin (vaseline oil) is a purified fraction of oil, prescribed for chronic constipation, the course of treatment is up to 5 days. $1.21 per 100 ml.
6. Magnesia (Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate) - powder is diluted in water, drunk at night, effective throughout the next day. A very budget option: $0.5 for 10 bags.
7. Mucofalk with orange flavor is a herbal remedy in powder. $20.8 for 300 grams of granules for inducing suspension.
8. Normaze - drops based on lactulose. $4.9 for 200 ml of syrup.
9. Polysorb is a gentle laxative, sorbent. $6.4 for 50 g.
10. Senade is an inexpensive but effective laxative from Cipla Ltd. (India). $10.5 for 500 tablets.

There are hundreds of laxatives, and each of them differs in its composition, quality, effectiveness and other characteristics. And you need to find the one that will rid the body of toxins and save you from constipation and excess weight.

When to see a doctor?

Constipation as an occasional occurrence should not cause unnecessary concern. Often the reason lies in poor nutrition, stress or a change in environment (moving, business trips, etc.), and eliminating the provoking factors solves the problem. However, if constipation continues regularly, this may indicate the presence of health problems, so in such a situation you should not postpone a visit to the gastroenterologist.

Particular attention to this problem should be paid to pregnant women, since excessive straining is contraindicated for them. In addition, constipation is fraught with the development of intoxication of the body, which is also completely unnecessary for a pregnant woman.

People prone to gastrointestinal diseases should also regard increasing constipation as a signal from the body that the course of the disease is worsening. Therefore, you should not expect that the problem will solve itself - in such situations, the help of a doctor is necessary.

Where does constipation come from?

Stool retention periodically occurs in all people, regardless of age, gender and political views. Constipation can occur for a variety of reasons. Let's take a closer look at them.

Stress

Any situations associated with nervous tension can cause stool retention, since the nervous system regulates all vital processes in the body, including intestinal motility. Stress can have unpredictable effects on digestive function because the human intestine contains an extensive network of neurons that communicate with the central nervous system.

That is why situations involving emotional discomfort, be it a minor domestic conflict or chronic nervous overstrain associated with work, can lead to constipation. Separately, a change of environment should be mentioned: very often problems of this kind arise when moving to a new place of residence or while traveling.

Pregnancy

Constipation occurs quite often in pregnant women for several reasons:

• In the first half of pregnancy, a change in hormonal levels occurs, as a result of which the synthesis of progesterone increases. This hormone reduces the tone of the uterus and helps avoid premature birth. However, it also weakens the tone of smooth muscles, thereby worsening intestinal motility.
• Around the end of the second trimester, the constantly increasing size of the uterus puts pressure on the rectum, which also complicates peristalsis and leads to regular stool retention.
• Effect of medications. Many women during pregnancy are prescribed antispasmodics, as well as iron and calcium supplements. One of the side effects of these medications is hardening of stool and weakening of intestinal motility.

Here you can add a decrease in physical activity, stress and severe toxicosis.

Sedentary lifestyle

Despite the fact that skeletal muscles are of the striated type, and the intestinal muscles are of the smooth type, there is a close relationship between their activities. In other words, the less a person moves, the greater the risk of developing constipation. Sedentary work and low physical activity are almost guaranteed to lead to stool retention.

Lack of fluid

People who do not drink enough water have a decreased production of digestive juices. In addition, stool becomes too dry and hard, which significantly complicates its passage through the intestines.

Unbalanced diet

Constipation can be caused not only by a lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet, but also by eating baked goods, large amounts of meat, rice, smoked and fatty foods. In addition, the lack of habit of eating at the same time, evenly distributing the amount of food at each meal, also contributes to impaired intestinal motility.

Enteric fillers

Contain dietary fiber, which absorbs moisture and swells. The drugs are considered natural remedies for constipation with a gentle laxative effect. An example is Mucofalk, which contains plantain seed extract. It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Another example is Citrucel. Its main active ingredient is methylcellulose.

With a softening effect

Examples are liquid paraffin, almond oil, glycerin, Norgalax. They act on the small intestine, softening stool and stimulating peristalsis.

Such drugs are prescribed for intoxication, obstruction of the large intestine, and for patients before surgery or childbirth and diagnostic procedures.

They are contraindicated during pregnancy and children under 12 years of age. Also, such medications should not be used for chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, cracks and bleeding in the intestines, kidney pathologies, and uterine bleeding.

Treatment of constipation

When choosing methods for treating constipation, the doctor primarily focuses on eliminating the causes that caused this condition. Treatment should be comprehensive, but regardless of its main course, all patients should increase physical activity, adjust their diet and drink at least one and a half to two liters of water per day. Treatment methods can be combined into groups, which we will discuss below.

Physiotherapy

When eliminating constipation, physiotherapeutic methods are used as part of adjuvant therapy. It should be noted that the appropriateness of using some of them is the subject of debate and discussion in science. Not all modern medical recommendations contain such information.

• Abdominal massage. This method is supposed to help improve intestinal motility and relieve spasms. Mostly gentle pressing and stroking movements are used, which are performed strictly clockwise.
• Electropulse therapy. Through the use of electrical impulses, the contractile function of intestinal smooth muscles improves, which is especially important for atonic constipation.
• Inductothermy. It is usually used for neurogenic constipation of a spastic nature, as well as for inflammatory processes in the intestines that provoke stool retention. The essence of the method is the use of a high-frequency electromagnetic field.
• Electrophoresis with novocaine. A gauze cloth moistened with a solution of novocaine is placed on the patient’s lumbar region. Due to the influence of direct or pulsed electric current, the drug is delivered through the skin to the lumbar nerve plexuses. The procedure is relatively painless - the patient feels only a slight tingling sensation.

Special mention should be made of such methods as acupressure (shiatsu), acupuncture (acupuncture), aromatherapy and other branches of Far Eastern folk medicine. At the end of the last century, these methods were widely advertised by all kinds of medical charlatans as a universal remedy for treating almost any disease. Currently, their popularity is gradually fading, and so far there has been no evidence of the effectiveness of such techniques.

It is important to understand that from the point of view of modern medicine, stimulation and puncture of various points on the body, supposedly responsible for improving bowel function, have no proven clinical effectiveness. In the best case scenario, the patient can expect a placebo effect.

Phytotherapy

As an alternative to pharmacological drugs, you can use herbal remedies that have a laxative effect. However, it is not recommended to choose them yourself, since if used incorrectly or unjustifiably, they will do more harm than good.

Some herbs have an antispasmodic effect, while others have an irritating effect on the nerve endings of the intestines. The use of such effects should be related to the cause of constipation, and only the attending physician can understand it. The most common herbal remedies for constipation include licorice root, senna, buckthorn and oregano - decoctions are prepared from them. In addition, pharmacies sell ready-made laxatives. It should also be remembered that any laxatives with prolonged use (2 weeks or more) are addictive.

Medicines with osmotic action

There are 3 main subgroups:

• Saline . Examples of these are magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide. They affect the entire intestine, increasing its osmotic pressure. If used incorrectly, they can lead to dehydration, nausea, and vomiting.
• Indigestible carbohydrates . These include prebiotics: Duphalac, Inulin, Prelax, Lactose. Thanks to the activity of beneficial bacteria, acidity increases and stool softens. A side effect of such drugs is flatulence.
• Forlax, Macrogol . These drugs accelerate the hydration process, thereby equalizing the volume of the large intestine and its contents. At the same time, the medications do not have an irritating effect and do not affect the microflora, but they can cause abdominal pain.

Drugs with an osmotic effect are prescribed for intoxication of various origins, chronic constipation, as well as at the preparatory stage before diagnostic or surgical operations. These medications are not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Heart failure is also a contraindication.

Fortrans

Suitable for adults only. Prescribed for operations and diagnostics. The active components are not absorbed into the bloodstream and do not dissolve in the intestines. Sold in powder form.

Carlsbad salt

It can be either artificial or natural. The solution should be taken only warm: this will reduce cramps and pain. The medicine helps with constipation and is most often prescribed to normalize the functioning of the digestive system.

Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate)

A cheap remedy that helps with constipation. It is a saline laxative. It is poorly absorbed, which increases osmotic pressure in the intestine and dilutes stool.

Despite its benefits, the drug should not be used frequently, as this may lead to loss of potassium and sodium. It is forbidden to use the product for more than 3 months to avoid kidney problems.

Macrogol

Improves intestinal function and does not affect metabolism. However, when consuming it, you need to monitor your diet and switch to a healthy lifestyle. Do not take the product for more than 3 months.

Microlax

Softens stool. The action begins within 15 minutes. Intended for rectal administration. It is not addictive and does not affect the functioning of the digestive tract.

Duphalac

It is broken down in the large intestine, resulting in the formation of organic acids. As a result, osmotic pressure increases, which promotes bowel movement and restoration of its microflora.

Normaze

The product in syrup form has no contraindications. It helps with constipation and problems with the digestive tract.

Poslabin

The drug is based on lactulose and has a mild effect. It is usually used for constipation, as well as to cleanse the intestines before diagnostic procedures. The product increases fecal mass, thereby affecting intestinal motility.

The drug should not be used if there is intestinal obstruction or individual poor tolerance to the components. If you have diabetes, you need to be careful.

All drugs with an osmotic effect intended to cleanse the intestines are prescribed by a doctor. The application regimen must comply with its recommendations or the accompanying instructions.

What to eat for constipation

If constipation occurs, there is no need to rush to buy a laxative. First, you should reconsider your diet. Is there enough fiber in your diet? Fiber is the part of plant foods that the body cannot break down. When you eat fiber-rich foods, the extra fiber helps keep your stool soft and speeds up digestion.

All plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, contain fiber. Dietitians recommend consuming 25 grams of fiber per day for women and up to 38 grams for men. After 50 years, its amount can be reduced to 21 grams for women and 30 grams for men. The percentage of fiber content is indicated in table No. 1.

Prevention

To prevent constipation, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• Consult a doctor promptly if you experience digestive disorders - constipation is often a consequence of various gastrointestinal diseases.
• Do not eat dry food and chew food thoroughly.
• Ensure sufficient physical activity - at least half an hour of walking a day, physical exercise, working out the abdominal muscles. All this improves intestinal motility.
• Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods.
• Minimize the consumption of alcohol, as well as fried, flour and fatty foods.
• Avoid nervous stress.
• Train yourself to eat and go to the toilet at approximately the same time.

You can also watch a video that discusses reliable, homemade ways to relieve constipation.