Constipation relief: A guide to OTC laxatives and other options

If you experience occasional mild to moderate constipation, over-the-counter constipation relief products can help support regularity. There are many options to choose from, including fiber supplements, stool softeners, laxatives, enemas and suppositories. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about which solution is right for you.

View fiber supplements

Sometimes called bulk-forming laxatives, fiber supplements add fiber to stool, helping it absorb fluid. As a result, stools become larger and softer, encouraging the bowel to contract normally and push the waste through the digestive tract and out of the body, alleviating constipation.

Benefits and usage

Generally considered the gentlest over-the-counter remedy for constipation, fiber supplements are commonly recommended by healthcare providers as an initial treatment option. For many people, it’s safe to take fiber supplements on a daily basis to support regularity. Fiber supplements may also support digestive health, and some types of fiber may have beneficial effects on gut microbiota. 

Fiber supplements come in various forms, including tablets, capsules and powders that can be mixed with water and other beverages.

Possible side effects and risks

Some people may develop gas and bloating from taking fiber supplements, especially when they first begin taking them. People with Crohn’s disease or a blocked bowel and individuals who take medications for diabetes may not be able to safely use bulk-forming laxatives.

Drinking plenty of water is important when taking fiber supplements since these products may worsen constipation without adequate fluid intake.

View stool softeners

Also known as emollient laxatives, stool softeners add water to stool, softening it and making it easier to pass. Stool softeners work by reducing the surface tension of the stool, allowing water and fat incorporation.

Benefits and usage

Stool softeners are sometimes recommended if fiber alone doesn’t work, or for people who should avoid straining while having a bowel movement. However, studies suggest stool softeners may not be as effective in relieving constipation as once proclaimed. Because of this, they may not be helpful for everyone. Stool softeners are available in pill, liquid and syrup forms.

Possible side effects and risks

Side effects are generally mild but can include cramping, nausea, and diarrhea.

Generally speaking, laxatives are medications that stimulate bowel movements to ease constipation. There are two main kinds: stimulant laxatives and osmotic laxatives. Each type works differently and has its own advantages and disadvantages.

View osmotic laxatives

Taken orally, osmotic laxatives draw fluid into the intestines, softening stool and making it easier to pass. Common osmotic laxatives include:

• Magnesium citrate
• Magnesium hydroxide (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax Liquid)
• Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX)

Benefits and usage

Healthcare providers may recommend osmotic laxatives when  fiber supplements and other initial measures aren’t adequate. These medications are generally considered gentler than stimulant laxatives and can be easy to take since most come in liquid or powder forms.

Possible side effects and risks

Cramping, diarrhea, nausea, gas and bloating are the most common side effects of osmotic laxatives. Some types may also cause increased thirst. People with kidney or heart problems may not be able to safely take certain osmotic laxatives. Some osmotic laxatives (especially magnesium- or phosphate-based products) are usually recommended for short-term use due to potential electrolyte imbalances. However, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is commonly used long-term for chronic constipation under medical guidance.

View stimulant laxatives

Oral stimulant laxatives act on the nerves that control bowel muscles, causing contractions that move stool out of the colon. These medications include:

• Bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Ex-Lax Ultra)
• Cascara
• Senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot)

Benefits and usage

Often considered the most aggressive type of over-the-counter laxative, stimulant laxatives are typically used only when other treatments haven’t fully relieved symptoms. Stimulant laxatives typically come in pill form for ease of use, and they tend to work quickly. Older stimulant laxatives such as cascara are no longer commonly recommended.

Possible side effects and risks

Due to their actions, stimulant laxatives may cause side effects like diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea or belching. Senna and cascara laxatives may also temporarily change the color of urine.

When taken for prolonged periods, stimulant laxatives may reduce bowel muscle tone, making it difficult for people to pass stool without the medication. Traditionally these have been limited to short term use, but newer evidence suggests stimulant laxatives can be used longer-term when needed under medical supervision.

View enemas

Performed at home with a kit, enemas involve injecting fluid into the colon through the rectum to cause a bowel movement. There are a few types of enemas available, and each has a different method of action:

• Sodium phosphate enemas draw water into the colon to quickly stimulate bowel movements
• Glycerin enemas pull water into stool, making it easier to pass
• Bisacodyl enemas work like stimulant laxatives, triggering bowel muscle contractions to move stool out of the body
• Mineral oil enemas lubricate the colon and rectum to help stool slide out more easily

Benefits and usage

Healthcare providers may recommend using an enema when other treatments don’t work or can’t be used.

Possible side effects and risks

Using an enema may cause discomfort, especially if the fluid is too cold or too hot. People with hemorrhoids or rectal irritation are more likely to experience discomfort. Cramping and diarrhea may occur after using an enema.

When performed incorrectly, an enema can cause injury to the rectum or colon. Follow the directions carefully to reduce these risks.

Using enemas too frequently can decrease the colon’s ability to contract and make constipation worse. Because of this, they should only be used occasionally, when recommended by a healthcare provider. Sodium phosphate enemas can lead to electrolyte imbalances and generally aren’t safe for people with chronic kidney disease.

View suppositories

Suppositories are small tube-shaped pellets that are inserted into the rectum for constipation relief. Once in place, they melt, releasing medication that acts directly on the colon and stool. There are three main types of suppositories:

• Osmotic laxative suppositories work by drawing water into the colon
• Stimulant laxative suppositories trigger muscle contractions to push stool out of the colon
• Lubricant laxative suppositories lubricate the colon to help stool move more easily

Benefits and usage

Like enemas, suppositories are typically recommended when other types of over-the-counter products don’t relieve constipation. Suppositories are generally easier to use than enemas, and they’re less likely to cause injury since they usually don’t require inserting a tube, nozzle or syringe.

Possible side effects and risks

Diarrhea, cramping and rectal irritation are the most common side effects of suppositories. To avoid complications, healthcare providers usually advise against using them for extended periods of time.

Clinically reviewed and updated June 2026.