Constipation may be defined as having 2 or fewer bowel movements per week or excessive difficulty or straining with bowel movements. Every individual has different bowel habits. It is important to know what is normal for you. Causes of constipation include poor diet, physical abnormalities, disease and medications. A diet high in fiber, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercise are important factors for maintaining normal bowel habits.
Laxatives act to produce a stool or to make passing a stool more comfortable.
One of the most common types of laxatives are bulk-forming laxatives. Examples include products containing methylcellulose, polycarbophil, or psyllium, such as Metamucil. These stimulate the bowel in a normal way by forming a bulky mass. This kind of laxative should be taken with at least 1 full glass of water or juice. Be sure to separate bulk-forming laxatives from other oral medicines by 2 hours.