Bulking |
Psyllium (Metamucil) |
Increases stool bulk and intestinal motility, shortens transit time |
Methylcellulose (Citrucel) |
Same as above |
Polycarbophil (FiberCon) |
Same as above |
Docusate sodium (Colace) |
Facilitates mixture of stool fat and water, softens stool |
Osmotic |
Lactulose |
Osmotically active nonabsorbable sugars pull fluid into the gut |
Sorbitol |
Same as above |
Polyethylene glycol (Golytely, Miralax) |
Same as above |
Stimulants |
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) |
Stimulates the myenteric plexus, increasing intestinal motility |
Anthraquinones (Peri-Colace) |
Same as above |
Senna (Senokot, Ex-lax) |
Same as above |
Magnesium (milk of magnesia, magnesium citrate) |
Shortens colonic transit time |
Glycerin suppository |
Local rectal stimulation |
Enemas |
Tap water |
Colonic distention prompts defecation |
Soap suds |
Same as above, bowel wall irritant |
Monophosphate (Fleets) |
Same as above, osmotic effect in small intestine, stimulates peristalsis |