Types of Laxatives Used to Relieve Constipation

All these types of laxatives ease constipation in different ways.

• Saline laxatives relieve constipation by getting fluids from nearby tissues and infusing them with the hard stools. The fluid helps make the stools become softer to make it move out effortlessly.
• Stool softeners ease constipation by adding fluid to stools to soften them and make them easier pass out.
• Bulk-forming laxatives ease constipation by adding water and “bulk” to your stools. The bigger stools help in getting the bowel to contract and then passing the stools out. Common adverse effects are bloating, frequent passing of gas, and cramps.
• Stimulant laxatives alleviate constipation by forcing the stools to come out by contracting and squeezing the bowel. This is the most notorious laxative, and should be used only after a surgery where bowel movement is difficult or when a doctor suggests you take them.