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.