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Overview

If changes in diet and activity fail to relieve occasional constipation, an over-the-counter laxative may be used for a few days. Preparations that soften stools or add bulk (bran, psyllium) work more slowly but are safer than Epsom salts and other harsh laxatives or herbal laxa...[read article]

Tests for Constipation

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During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient''s body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems.  More
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Anal Sphincter Manometry
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A colonoscopy is an internal examination of the colon(large intestine), using an instrument called a colonoscope.The colonoscope is a small camera attached to a fle...  More
4.
Defecography
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Gastrointestinal Transit Study
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Sigmoidoscopy is an internal examination of the lower large bowel(colon), using an instrument called a sigmoidoscope.During the test, you are positioned on your lef...  More
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Medical Procedures for Constipation

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Biofeedback is a technique that measures bodily functions in order to help control them.Blood pressure Breathing Heart rate Muscle tension Skin temperature.By watch...  More
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Oral rehydration therapy(ORT) involves the replacement of fluids and electrolytes lost during an episode of diarrheal illness. Diarrheal illnesses are pervasive wor...  More
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Treatment of Underlying Disorders
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Surgical Procedures for Constipation

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Subtotal Colectomy with Ileorectal Anastomosis
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Division of Anal Sphincter
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Prescribed Medications for Constipation

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SENNA (SEN uh) is a laxative. This medicine is used to relieve constipation. It may also be used to empty and prepare the bowel for surgery or examination. This med...  More
2.
LACTULOSE (LAK tyoo lose) powder is a laxative derived from lactose. It helps to treat chronic constipation. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your ...  More
3.
TEGASEROD (te GAS a rod) is used to treat women who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation as their main problem. It may also be used for relief of c...  More
4.
DOCUSATE (doc CUE sayt) is stool softener. It helps prevent constipation and straining or discomfort associated with hard or dry stools. This medicine may be used f...  More
5.
LUBIPROSTONE (loo bi PROS tone) is a laxative. It is used to treat chronic constipation. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider...  More
6.
MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE (mag NEE zhum hye DROX ide) is a laxative. It is used to treat constipation. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care ...  More
7.
METHYLCELLULOSE (meth ill SELL yoo lose) is a bulk-forming laxative. This medicine is used to treat constipation. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask ...  More
8.
MAGNESIUM CITRATE (mag NEE zee um SI treyt) is a saline laxative. It is used to treat occasional constipation, but it should not be used regularly for this purpose....  More
9.
METHYLNALTREXONE (METH il nal TREX one) is used to treat constipation caused by opioids (pain medicine). Immediately tell your health care professional if you stop ...  More
10.
ALVIMOPAN (AL vi MOE pan) is used to help the gut function after having gut surgery. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or ...  More
11.
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350 (pol ee ETH i leen; GLYE col) powder is a laxative used to treat constipation. It increases the amount of water in the stool. Bowel movemen...  More
12.
Sodium Phosphate salts (SOE dee um FOS fate sawlts) are used to clean out the bowel. It is given before a colonoscopy. This medicine may be used for other purposes;...  More
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Over the Counter Medications for Constipation

1.
PSYLLIUM (SIL i yum) is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. This medicine is used to treat constipation. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health ca...  More
2.
SENNA (SEN uh) is a laxative. This medicine is used to relieve constipation. It may also be used to empty and prepare the bowel for surgery or examination. This med...  More
3.
Castor oil, a stimulant laxative, is a fixed oil obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis .  More
4.
Lubricant laxative; complex mixture of hydrocarbons derived from crude petroleum.  More
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DOCUSATE (doc CUE sayt) is stool softener. It helps prevent constipation and straining or discomfort associated with hard or dry stools. This medicine may be used f...  More
6.
BISACODYL (bis a KOE dill) is a laxative. This medicine is used to relieve constipation. It may also be used to empty and prepare the bowel for surgery or examinati...  More
7.
MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE (mag NEE zhum hye DROX ide) is a laxative. It is used to treat constipation. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care ...  More
8.
METHYLCELLULOSE (meth ill SELL yoo lose) is a bulk-forming laxative. This medicine is used to treat constipation. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask ...  More
9.
MAGNESIUM CITRATE (mag NEE zee um SI treyt) is a saline laxative. It is used to treat occasional constipation, but it should not be used regularly for this purpose....  More
10.
POLYCARBOPHIL (pol i KAR boe fil) is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. It is used to add more fiber into your diet. This medicine is also used to treat constipation. T...  More
11.
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350 (pol ee ETH i leen; GLYE col) powder is a laxative used to treat constipation. It increases the amount of water in the stool. Bowel movemen...  More
12.
DOCUSATE SODIUM; SENNA (doc CUE sayt SOE dee um; SEN na) contains a stool softener and a laxative. It is used to treat constipation. This medicine may be used for o...  More
13.
Sodium Phosphate salts (SOE dee um FOS fate sawlts) are used to clean out the bowel. It is given before a colonoscopy. This medicine may be used for other purposes;...  More
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Herbs and Supplements for Constipation What's this?

1.
Transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of Aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous ...  More
Efficacy Grade A
2.
Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods, such as milk, cheese, dried beans, peas, colas, nuts, and peanut butter. Phosphate is the most common form of phosphoru...  More
Efficacy Grade A
3.
Psyllium, also referred to as ispaghula, is derived from the husks of the seeds of Plantago ovata . Psyllium contains a high level of soluble dietary fiber, and is ...  More
Efficacy Grade B
4.
Chinese herbalists have relied on rhubarb rhizomes and roots for thousands of years. The rhizomes and roots contain powerful anthraquinones and tannins that act as ...  More
Efficacy Grade C
5.
Cascara is obtained from the dried bark of Rhamnus purshianus (Rhamnaceae), both a medicinal and poisonous plant. It is found in Europe, western Asia, and in North ...  More
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Alternative Procedures for Constipation What's this?

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Various forms of therapeutic superficial tissue manipulation have been practiced for thousands of years across cultures. Chinese use of massage dates to 1600 BC, an...  More
Efficacy Grade C
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This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare professional with any health concerns you may have.