Constipation may be defined as having two or fewer bowel movements per week, or excessive difficulty or straining with bowel movements. Every individual has a different bowel regime. It is important to assess what is normal for you. Causes of constipation include dietary reasons, physical abnormalities, disease and medications. A diet with 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 medications stimulate the bowel normally by forming a bulky mass. Take these with at least 1 full glass of fluids. Separate bulk-forming laxatives and other oral medicines by 2 hours.