laxatives
Digestive tract movers
Laxatives are substances that promote bowel movements, used to relieve constipation.
They work through various mechanisms—some soften stool, others stimulate intestinal contractions.
Available over the counter or by prescription: The doctor recommended a mild laxative.
Overuse can cause dependency, so they're meant for occasional rather than regular use.
Fiber supplement brand
- milk of magnesiaLiquid laxative and antacid
- castor oilPressed bean purgative
- mineral oilColorless petroleum-derived liquid
- polyethylene glycolWaxy synthetic polymer chain
docusate · lactulose · magnesium citrate · sorbitol · psyllium · senna · magnesium hydroxide
Difficult, infrequent waste elimination
- stoolBackless sitting furniture
- bowel movementFecal discharge from body
- defecationExpulsion of feces
- evacuationRemoval from danger
peristalsis · regularity · colon · intestinal · rectal · elimination · bowels · passage
Alertness-boosting drug
- osmoticConcerning membrane diffusion
- stool softenerMedication easing bowel movements
- lubricantFriction-reducing substance
- salineSalt-water solution
emollient · suppository · enema · oral · overnight · fast-acting · gentle · natural
Ease or soothing relief
- easeLack of strain
- alleviationReduction of intensity
- regularityConsistent, predictable occurrence
- unburdeningRelieving oneself of weight
movement · relief · restored · improved · effective · gentle · overnight · predictable
Plant-based digestive aid
- probioticsLive microorganisms aiding digestion
- gut healthIntestinal microbiome condition
- intestinesCoiled digestive organs
- digestiveRelating to food breakdown
gastrointestinal · absorption · flora · hydration · diet · roughage · bran · prunes
Medical dispensing authorization
- pharmacyMedicinal dispensary
- dosageMeasured medicine amount
- overuseExcessive employment of something
- dependenceState of needing another
chronic constipation · IBS · bowel obstruction · impaction · contraindication · side effects · dehydration · electrolyte imbalance
Metamucil
Fiber supplement brand
- milk of magnesiaLiquid laxative and antacid
- castor oilPressed bean purgative
- mineral oilColorless petroleum-derived liquid
polyethylene glycol · docusate · lactulose · magnesium citrate · sorbitol · psyllium · senna · magnesium hydroxide
constipation
Difficult, infrequent waste elimination
- stoolBackless sitting furniture
- bowel movementFecal discharge from body
- defecationExpulsion of feces
evacuation · peristalsis · regularity · colon · intestinal · rectal · elimination · bowels · passage · feces
stimulant
Alertness-boosting drug
- osmoticConcerning membrane diffusion
- stool softenerMedication easing bowel movements
- lubricantFriction-reducing substance
saline · emollient · suppository · enema · oral · overnight · fast-acting · gentle · natural · herbal
comfort
Ease or soothing relief
- easeLack of strain
- alleviationReduction of intensity
- regularityConsistent, predictable occurrence
unburdening · movement · relief · restored · improved · effective · gentle · overnight · predictable
fiber
Plant-based digestive aid
- probioticsLive microorganisms aiding digestion
- gut healthIntestinal microbiome condition
- intestinesCoiled digestive organs
digestive · gastrointestinal · absorption · flora · hydration · diet · roughage · bran · prunes · water intake
prescription
Medical dispensing authorization
dependence · chronic constipation · IBS · bowel obstruction · impaction · contraindication · side effects · dehydration · electrolyte imbalance · gastroenterologist
- digestive aidsantacids, probiotics, stool softener, gas relief, antidiarrheal
- laxativesstool softener, stool softeners, cathartic, cathartics, purgative
- colonoscopy prepmagnesium citrate, polyethylene glycol, clear liquids, senna, enemas
- medicationspills, Tylenol, capsules, tablets, Xanax
- drugstore itemsaspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, bandages, vitamins
- OTC Medicineaspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Tylenol, Advil
laxativesantidiarrheals
Drugs treating loose bowels
binding agents · loperamide · astringents · Pepto-Bismol · kaolin