Constipation
Constipation is a condition characterized by infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements. Medically, it is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. The stool may be hard, dry, and challenging to pass, and in some cases, constipation can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort.
Common contributing factors include a low-fiber diet, dehydration, lack of physical activity, certain medications (e.g., opioids, antidepressants), and stress.
The treatment landscape for constipation includes a range of options, from dietary changes to over-the-counter and prescription medications. First-line treatments often focus on increasing fiber intake through diet or supplements like psyllium, as well as ensuring adequate hydration. If these measures are insufficient, stool softeners like docusate or osmotic laxatives such as magnesium citrate and lactulose can be used to draw water into the colon and soften stools. In cases of rectal fecal impaction or when oral medications have failed, saline enemas may provide fast relief, although they can be uncomfortable. Prescription medications like Motegrity are also available for more severe or chronic cases of constipation.
Sign in to access treatments and see what the community has shared!
Sign inTreatments Shared by the Community
Explore what patients, caregivers, and clinicians have said about these treatments.
8 Treatments for Constipation
Sign in to compare treatments and make informed decisions!
Sign inExplore various treatment options to empower yourself in making a well-informed choice.
Choose treatments from the menu above to see how they compare side by side.
Choose treatments from the menu above to see how they compare side by side.
Choose treatments from the menu above to see how they compare side by side.
Copyright © 2025,Curbside and related marks are registered trademarks of Curbside Tech Inc.