Constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent and difficult to achieve. The normal length of time between bowel movements ranges widely in each individual

There are people who have a bowel movements three-time a day, other can have at least three times a week. That is still considered perfectly normal.

However, going beyond or longer than three days without defecating a feces, is already considered constipation. The stool becomes harder and more difficult to expel once it goes beyond three days without defecation.

This is not a disease, but a symptom. Yet, this symptom is so painful and frustrating. Almost everyone experiences constipation some time during his life. Constipation may not be serious, but it is a concern.

Constipation is commonly due to inadequate fiber in the diet, insufficient body hydration and lack of physical activity. However, dietary and lifestyle changes may take some time to become effective, with constipation requiring urgent attention.

There are a number of remedies available, but it is best to know the constipation medications that are available in the drug stores.

Some known over-the-counter constipation medications are the following:

1. Castor Oil – This is a known laxative for ages. It is a very effective laxative that can induce bowel movement and helps loosen up passage of hard, dry stool.

This constipation remedy can stimulate the contraction of intestinal muscles that facilitates an expulsion of fecal matter in the bowel. It can also reduce fluid absorption from the intestinal tract, thus increasing fluid in the fecal waste that lessens the difficulty in the passage of dry, hard stool.

2. Milk of Magnesia – This constipation remedy contains magnesium hydroxide, an osmotic laxative with a chalk-like taste. This may not be tolerable to children, but adults can bear the taste. It may be helpful to mix this with 1 to 2 teaspoons of orange juice or can be mixed into a milkshake.

3. Docusate – This is available as Colace and Surfak. Ducosate is a lubricating laxative. This is also available with a stimulant laxative in the combined medicine of Peri-Colace.

4. Malt Soup Extract – In the drugstore, this is acknowledged as Maltsupex. It bears unpleasant odor but can be mixed easily with milk and any other drinks. This works well on children.

5. Lactulose – This certain constipation remedy is part of the osmotic laxative group. The recommended dosage is from 5 to 20 ml. As a constipation medication, it works best after 2 to 4 hours.

6. Miralax – This is a tasteless, constipation medication that contains polyethylene glycol and is usually used for two weeks or less at a time. This constipation medication is an osmotic laxative.

7. Senokot – This constipation remedy is a known stimulant laxative and can be bought over-the-counter.

8. Bisacodyl – This constipation medication is a stimulant laxative that is available as Correcol and Dulcolax. These constipation medications are often used long term and as a maintenance therapy. They are considered to be safe, effective and non-addictive. Usually, it is the osmotic laxative that is being used for long term.

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Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: constipation remedies,constipation treatment, baby constipation, babies