Anti- Constipation Medicine

Medications for constipation include stool softeners, lubricants, laxatives, and bulk-forming agents (fibers). In some cases, an over-the-counter formulation can do the trick, while others require prescription medicine.  

Lifestyle changes such as increasing fiber in your diet, drinking enough water, and being physically active are usually the key steps to treating constipation. If these do not work, you can also check with your health care specialist about other treatment options.    

Data suggests that constipation affects 14% of the adult population globally, mainly women, and significantly impacts health-related quality of life.  

Lifestyle Modifications On Priority

The initial management of constipation involves lifestyle modifications and ensuring regular bowel movement. Also, identifying the patients who need psychological support should be considered because constipation may worsen by stress or may be triggered by any emotional disturbance. Those dealing with constipation should keep regular time for defecation, use proper sitting positions, and monitor their bowel movements by maintaining a diary. This helps to assess and direct treatment interventions. Primary treatment includes dietary modifications involving a high-fiber diet, fruits, and water intake. Although enough water intake is beneficial for treating constipation, no evidence supports the idea that fluid intake may appear to improve chronic constipation. Dietary modifications include a high-fiber diet; enough water and fruit may improve the condition.

Treatment for Constipation

When over-the-counter preparations do not improve constipation symptoms, then Laxatives can be considered to manage the condition. The choice of laxative depends on the condition of the patient.  For decades, constipation has been associated with a deficiency of fiber. Dietary fiber is effective in relieving mild to moderate conditions but ineffective against severe constipation. The recommended amount of dietary fiber for an adult is 20 to 25 gm per day. The target can be obtained from whole wheat bread, citrus fruits, unrefined cereals, and vegetables. Insoluble fiber may cause abdominal bloating and has been associated with stomach discomfort.  Insoluble fibers such as cereal bran may also depress the appetite. Patients with constipation must be encouraged to drink enough water and maintain hydration, especially when increasing fiber intake.

There are a variety of medicines to choose from for getting relief from chronic constipation. Some are over-the-counter preparations, and others require a doctor’s prescription. A lot of people start with products they can purchase without a prescription. You may get your doctor’s help when choosing the right over-the-counter product. You may choose from the following:

• Fibre Supplements work by absorbing water to help form bulky stools and get your bowels going. Be sure to drink enough water while taking a fiber supplement. Some people may experience bloating and pain in their belly. Hence, it is always best to use a fiber supplement under the supervision of a doctor.

• Stimulants– Stimulants are especially considered in severe cases of constipation. It works better when other drugs have not worked. They cause your intestine to squeeze, allowing things to move in your stomach. Discuss with your doctor about the common stimulants that may be ideal for your condition. Avoid overuse of stimulant laxatives.

• Osmotics help draw water into the large intestine to soften stool. For some patients, this may cause cramping, nausea, and diarrhea. An adult with heart disease or kidney impairment must consult his/her doctor before taking osmotics.

• Stool softeners—You might use a good-quality stool softener to avoid straining when you move, like after surgery. They are considered best for short-term use. They pull water from your intestine to soften your stool. You can easily find these agents at a chemist’s store.

Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their lives. Serious complications can result from untreated constipation; therefore, treatment of the chronic condition is a must. If lifestyle changes, home remedies, and over-the-counter preparations do not provide the desired results, speak to your doctor about prescription medicines to help regulate your bowel movements.