Laxatives

Laxatives
  • MiraLAX Laxative Bayer 11523723404

    MiraLAX

    MiraLAX Laxative Powder 17.9 oz.

    Miralax is a laxative that provides effective, gentle relief from occasional constipation by working naturally with the water in your body to hydrate, soften and ease, unblocking your system.Powder dissolves in any beverage Relieves occasional...

    $40.56
  • MiraLAX Laxative Bayer 11523726808

    MiraLAX

    MiraLAX Laxative Powder 24 per Box

    Package Count: 24. Miralax is a laxative that provides effective, gentle relief from occasional constipation by working naturally with the water in your body to hydrate, soften and ease, unblocking your system.Relieves occasional constipation...

    $43.92
  • Geri-Care Diuretic Laxative McKesson Brand Q758-16-GCP

    Geri-Care

    Geri-Care Diuretic Laxative Liquid 16 oz.

    Sorbitol, also known as glucitol, is a sugar alcohol that is found in prunes (dried plums). Sorbitol draws water into the large intestine and stimulates a bowel movement. Because it's a diuretic, it should be used advisedly.70% weight per weight sorbitol...

    Starting at $15.49
  • McKesson Stool Softener McKesson Brand Q402-16-GCP

    McKesson

    McKesson Stool Softener Liquid 16 oz.

    Find relief for occasional constipation with the help of Geri-Care docusate sodium liquid. This laxative can help soften your stools for easier bowel movements. Each dose provides you with 50 mg strength. It compares to the active ingredient in similar...

    Starting at $17.41
  • sunmark Laxative McKesson Brand 49348054110

    Sunmark

    sunmark Fiber Laxative Caplets for Constipation Relief

    Caplets give you additional fiber to help relieve occasional constipation without some of the negative side effects sometimes caused by fiber (i.e. gas).500 mg methylcellulose in each caplet Relieves occasional constipation (irregularity) to help...

    $14.08
  • Colace Stool Softener Purdue Pharma 67618010160

    Colace

    Colace Stool Softener Capsules 60 per Bottle

    Package Count: 60. Relieves occasional constipation (irregularity). Generally produces a bowel movement in 12 – 72 hours.100 milligrams of docusate sodium per capsule for gentle reliable relief from occasional constipation (irregularity) Stimulant free...

    $30.37
  • Milk of Magnesia Laxative McKesson Brand Q-647-12

    Milk of Magnesia

    Milk of Magnesia Laxative Liquid Mint Flavor 12 oz.

    Geri-Care's Milk of Magnesia saline laxative helps relieve occasional constipation (irregularity). Effective overnight relief, this product usually causes a bowel movement 30 minutes to 6 hours after ingesting. It also helps relieve heartburn, sour...

    $11.26
  • Geri-Care Laxative McKesson Brand 57896064916

    Geri-Care

    Geri-Care Laxative Oral Suspension Original Flavor 16 oz.

    Package Count: 5676. Milk of magnesia relieves occasional constipation (irregularity). This product usually produces a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours. Gentle and stimulant-free, Geri-Care milk of magnesium helps your colon work more like nature...

    $58.44
  • sunmark Laxative McKesson Brand 49348003210

    Sunmark

    sunmark Laxative Tablets Tablet 100 per Bottle

    Package Count: 100. Reduce discomfort and get effective relief from occasional constipation with this Sunmark laxative. It stimulates intestinal linings to move stool along the digestive tract and induce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. Available...

    $8.72
  • sunmark Laxative McKesson Brand 01093979544

    Sunmark

    sunmark Laxative Caplets Caplet 90 per Bottle

    Package Count: 90. Sunmark calcium polycarbophil fiber caplets relieve occasional constipation to help restore and maintain regularity. This product generally produces a bowel movement in 12 – 72 hours.625 milligrams of calcium polycarbophil (equivalent...

    $17.31
  • sunmark Fiber Supplement McKesson Brand 01093981244

    Sunmark

    sunmark Fiber Supplement Powder Original Flavor 13 oz.

    Get extra fiber in your diet with Sunmark dietary fiber powder. Users can add this powder to a glass of water for consumption. Adults can take 1 tablespoon of this powder with at least 8 ounces of water three times daily. Psyllium husk is the key...

    $19.20
Laxatives

Laxatives are drugs that help relieve constipation. They work in a couple of different ways, by either loosening stools or otherwise inducing a bowel movement. They are also sometimes used before bowel procedures or examinations, like colonoscopies.

Laxatives come in the form of pills, capsules, liquids, foods, gums, suppositories, and enemas. They can be found over-the-counter or even ordered online.

Types of Laxatives
There are several types of laxatives to choose from, and each does something different to the body to make the stool move through the intestine easier and usually faster.

  • Bulking Agents: These increase water content, and therefore the bulk of the stool, making it move through the intestine faster. They typically take 12-72 hours to work. (MiraLAX and similar brands).
  • Emollient Laxatives: Like bulking agents, these laxatives increase water and fat content, easing the stool through the intestine. They also take 12-72 hours to work.
  • Stimulant Laxatives: These stimulate the lining of the intestine to propel the stool along. Stimulant laxatives provide relief almost immediately, but should only be used occasionally.
  • Osmotic and Hyperosmolar Laxatives: These draw fluids into the intestine from the surrounding tissues, making the stool softer and easier to pass. They take around 30 minutes to 6 hours to work, depending on the type.
There are other forms of laxatives as well, including natural relief from foods and liquids.

Side Effects of Laxatives
There are rarely serious side effects to laxatives when used as intended. They include gassiness, bloat, and minor abdominal pain. If you experience more intense side effects, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Cautions about Using Laxatives
Laxatives should only be used as directed, and most are only for occasional use. If you continue to have issues with constipation, you may want to speak to your primary care provider. Taking laxatives too frequently can have serious consequences and could lead to the following:

  • Electrolyte and mineral imbalances
  • Severe dehydration
  • Laxative dependence
  • Chronic constipation
  • Internal organ damage
  • Increased colon cancer risk
Never abuse laxatives or use them for weight loss, as not only do they not work for this purpose, but also they can put you at serious medical risk.

Choosing the Right Laxative for You
Choosing the right laxative can be challenging. It depends on why you are experiencing constipation and how often.

  • Brand: People choose a specific brand for all kinds of reasons, from reputation to ingredients.
  • Value: Cost is certainly a factor, but some laxatives work better and provide a better value overall, even if they cost a little more upfront.
  • Allergies and reactions: All laxatives have the potential to cause allergic reactions or simply a poor response in your body due to various ingredients. If this happens to you, discontinue use right away and consult your doctor.
You may have to try a few different brands or types of laxatives before finding the one that works best for you. If you have a medical condition or take prescription medications, talk to your healthcare provider before taking laxatives to ensure they will not interfere with your treatment.

Simply Medical allows you to browse our selection of laxatives from the comfort of your home and have purchases delivered right to your doorstep. No more waiting in line or making unnecessary trips to the store.