Overview
Treatment for constipation is often a difficult subject for many of us to talk about. We can get self conscious when talking about problems that have anything to do with our bowel movements. It shouldn't be!
At any given moment, up to one in four adults is dealing with some form of constipation and there are many fast, effective medications available over the counter to relieve your bloating and abdominal pain. Below, we list the most effective medications for relieving constipation fast!
Medications To Relieve Constipation Fast
Tier 1: The Fastest (But Perhaps Uncomfortable)
Saline Enemas
Onset Of Action: 5-15 Minutes
Saline enemas are going to be the fastest option to relieve constipation, but are also the most invasive. Many people will not consider using an enema, but they are highly effective for those who have more severe cases of constipation, or are in severe pain from bloating. It is easy to control dosing with enemas and can be a good option for those who have trouble taking medication by mouth.
Saline enemas work by not only flushing the local area with liquid, but increase the water present in the bowel due to the effect of sodium within the small and large intestines. This excess water in the bowel stimulates bowel stretch receptors and stimulates the release of certain hormones that causes movement of the GI walls. The net effect is the inducement of diarrhea that rapidly and effectively cleanses the entire colon.
Glycerin Suppositories
Onset Of Action: 15 To 60 Minutes
Like saline enemas, glycerin rectal suppositories may not be a viable option for most people who want to avoid this route of administration. Glycerin suppositories are however, particularly useful in infants and children who are too young for medication. It also is a good option for those who want to avoid medicated therapies. Glycerin suppositories are considered more gentle than a saline enema.
Oral Saline Laxatives
Onset Of Action: 30 Minutes To 3 Hours
Oral saline laxatives are without a doubt the fastest means to relieve constipation in an oral dosage form. Two popular medications in this class include magnesium citrate and magnesium hydroxide (Milk Of Magnesia). Magnesium citrate is most commonly used in colonoscopy preparations and is usually a second option to magnesium hydroxide (Milk Of Magnesia) due to several negative aspects of the medication.
Oral saline laxatives are without a doubt the fastest means to relieve constipation in an oral dosage form. Two popular medications in this class include magnesium citrate and magnesium hydroxide (Milk Of Magnesia). Magnesium citrate is most commonly used in colonoscopy preparations and is usually a second option to magnesium hydroxide (Milk Of Magnesia) due to several negative aspects of the medication.
Magnesium citrate isn't very palatable, has a very oily taste, and is difficult to drink for most people. Also, it can cause issues in those with kidney problems due to the high magnesium content. Due to these issues, magnesium hydroxide (Milk Of Magnesia) is usually the drug of choice in this class for use as a laxative.
Magnesium hydroxide (Milk Of Magnesia) has the additional benefit of acting as an antacid as well as a laxative. Milk Of Magnesia, for most people, is the fastest medication that can be taken by mouth to relieve constipation quickly.
Tier 2: Oral 'Stimulant & Osmotic Laxatives'
Stimulant Laxatives
Onset Of Action: 6 Hours To 24 Hours
Dulcolax (bisacodyl) and Senokot/Ex-Lax(sennosides) fall into the class of stimulant laxatives, although Dulcolax (bisacodyl) is typically considered a slightly more aggressive medication. Stimulant medications are named as such since they are believed to produce a laxative effect by directly stimulating peristalsis (constriction and relaxation of the intestine).
There is some concern with the overuse of these laxatives as they, in some cases, cause some sort of physical dependence if taken consistently over a long period of time.
Stimulant laxatives are most often taken in the evening, with the intended laxative effect taking place the next morning, about 6-12 hours later.
Osmostic Laxatives
Onset Of Action: 12 Hours To 96 Hours
Tier 3: Fibers & Stool Softeners
Fiber
Onset Of Action: 12 Hours To 96 Hours
Fiber is well known to promote healthy and consistent stools. Many people can get enough fiber in their diets without taking a supplement but many prefer to add it on to help stool consistency and to "stay regular". It can also be used for the relief of occasional constipation. Fiber isn't typically considered a "fast" medication to relieve constipation,
Stool Softeners
Onset Of Action: N/A
Colace (Docusate) is a popular stool softener and is commonly used to soften the stool, which eases straining and pain associated with hard stools. This also is not a medication that would necessarily be used for the fast relief of constipation.
