Low Down on Laxatives
One of the most common things I get to do as a Pelvic Health Therapist is to explain to clients about the medications they are taking to help their GI systems, bowels and poop!
Many times medical providers recommend a medication but don’t have the time to explain how it works. It can be really confusing to know what is indicated, how each medication works and what the side effects can be short and long term.
The chart below names a few common types of laxatives, their name, purpose along with some common pros and cons. When managing the bowels, it is important to remember that “one size” does not fit all and some experimentation and titration may be necessary.
| TYPE | NAMES | Purpose | PRO | CON |
| Emollient Laxative | Colace Surfak | Soften stool to make it easier to pass | OTC Not habit forming | Can cause cramping |
| Osmotic Laxatives | GoLYTELY GlycoLax MiraLax Lactulose (needs rx) | Brings liquid to intestines to soften stool | OTC Not habit forming | Can cause cramping/ diarrhea, may need adjustment |
| Lubricant Laxatives | Mineral oil (liquid petrolatum) | Helps stool slide out more easily | OTC Not habit forming | Can cause stomach upset |
| Stimulant Laxatives | AloeCascara (Nature’s Remedy) Senna compounds (Ex-Lax, Senokot) Bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Correctol) Castor oil | Increased peristalsis of intestines to move stool | Fast Acting | Habit forming, can cause diarrhea, cramping |
| Bulking Laxatives | Methylcellulose (Citrucel) Psyllium husk fiber Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid (Metamucil) | Increased bulk of stool to move it through GI tract | OTCNot habit forming | Can cause constipation, gas, cramping |
| Saline Laxatives | Fleet Phospho-Soda Milk of magnesia Magnesium citrate | Flushes out system | Fast acting | Possible GI discomfort Must be given rectally |
| Suppository/ Enemas | Docusate (Microenema) Bisacodyl (Dulcolax Suppository) Sodium phosphate (Fleet Enema) | Flushes out system | Fast actingCleans “bottom down” | Possible GI discomfort Must be given rectally |
Pelvic Health Therapists are generally not prescribers of medication but we are very versed on the purpose of medications and can play a key role in your education of what you put in your body and why.
