Treatment
Table 5. Summary of Dietary Supplements and Medications Commonly Used for Constipation
Type Fiber
Generic Name Bran
Trade Name —
Dried plums (prunes) — Psyllium
Methylcellulose
Stool soſtener Docusate sodium Sorbitol
Hyperosmolar agents
Lactulose Suppository Stimulants
Polyethylene glycol Glycerin
Bisacodyl Bisacodyl
Anthraquinones (senna, cascara)
several Citrucel®
Calcium polycarbophil FiberCon® Colace® —
Chronulac® Enulose®
Kristalose® Miralax®
—
Dulcolax® Dulcolax®
Senokot® Perdiem®
Saline laxative
Lubricant Enemas Magnesium Mineral oil (plain) Peri-Colace® Milk of magnesia
Magnesium citrate — —
Tap water enema Phosphate enema
Prokinetic Secretagogue 10
Linaclotide Tegaserodb
Lubiprostone — Fleet®
LinzessTM Zelnorm®
Amitiza® , Generlac®
, Constulose® ,
,
Dosage 1 cup/day
10 g daily
1 tsp up to tid 1 tsp up to tid 2-4 tabs daily 100 mg bid
15-30 mL daily or bid
15-30 mL daily or bid
17 g/day
Up to daily 10 mg daily
10 mg PO up to 3 times/week
2 tabs daily to 4 tabs bid
1-2 tsp daily 1-2 tsp daily
15-30 mL daily or bid
200 mL 15-45 mL
500 mL per rectum
1 unit per rectum
145 mcg PO daily 6 mg PO bid
24 mcg PO bid
a Potentially all laxatives and constipation treatments may cause fecal incontinence. b Use severely limited due to adverse cardiovascular effects.
