Treatment
12
Table 5. Summary of Dietary Supplements and Medications
Used for Constipation
a
Type Generic Name Dosage
OTC Products
Fiber Bran 1 cup/d
Dried plums (prunes) 10 g daily
Psyllium 1 tsp up to tid
Methylcellulose 1 tsp up to tid
Calcium polycarbophil
2–4 tablets daily (1250–2500 mg )
Hyperosmolar
agents
Sorbitol
15–30 mL daily or bid
Lactulose
15–30 mL daily or bid
Polyethylene glycol 17 g/d
Suppository Glycerin
2–3 g up to daily
Bisacodyl 10 mg daily
Stimulants Bisacodyl 10 mg PO up to 3 times/wk
Anthraquinones
(senna,
c
cascara)
2 tablets daily to 4 tablets bid
(senna
c
)
1–2 tsp daily (cascara)
Stool soener
Docusate sodium
c
100 mg bid
Saline
laxative
Magnesium
15–30 mL daily or bid
Magnesium citrate
5–10 fl oz (150–300 mL) once
Lubricant Mineral oil
15–45 mL
Enemas Tap water enema 500 mL per rectum
Phosphate enema 1 unit per rectum
Prescription Drugs
Chloride channel 2
activator
Lubiprostone 24 µg PO bid or 8 mcg PO bid
Guanylate cyclase-C
agonist
Linaclotide 145 µg PO daily or 290 mcg
PO daily
Peripheral
µ-antagonist
Methylnaltrexone
q2d subcut. Dose varies by weight
a
Based on expert evidence. May be useful for OIC. Table adapted from Bharucha AE. Best Pract Res
Clin Gastroenterol. 2007;21:709-731.
b
Potentially all laxatives and constipation treatments may cause fecal incontinence.
