Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is preferred over lactulose for the treatment of constipation because it is more effective and has fewer adverse effects.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
Metamucil is a bulk-forming laxative that's readily available OTC. It's mainly used to help relieve constipation. Metamucil side effects, such as gas and bloating, are typically mild for most people. It's very important to follow the directions on the packaging to help prevent serious side effects.
MiraLAX ® provides complete, comfortable and predictable relief. MiraLAX ® offers both stool-softening and laxative effects. MiraLAX ® does not cause harsh side effects such as gas, bloating, cramping and sudden urgency. MiraLAX ® relieves occasional constipation that may be caused by certain medications.
Straining is the most commonly identified symptom by older adults, even though physicians tend to rely on bowel movement frequency to diagnose constipation. Additionally, patients tend to underestimate their frequency of bowel movements. Normal stool frequency can vary between 3 motions per day and 3 motions per week.
Generally speaking, you can go about five days without pooping before you run into the risk of serious health issues like fecal impaction, hemorrhoids, or a bowel perforation. That said, there isn't a magic number of days to set a countdown for.
Although constipation is not a physiologic consequence of normal aging, decreased mobility, medications, underlying diseases, and rectal sensory-motor dysfunction may all contribute to its increased prevalence in older adults.
Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.
Some popular brands include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-a-Mint), and sennosides (Ex-Lax, Senokot). Prunes (dried plums) are also an effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too. Note: Don't use stimulant laxatives daily or regularly.
While all the new prescription products provide more treatment options, Wald says, most people don't need them. Instead, over-the-counter drugs such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax and generic), bisacodyl (Dulcolax laxative tablets and generic), or senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot, and generic) are a far better choice.
DULCOLAX tablets are not recommended in children under 4 years of age. Children under 10 years of age: Use only on medical advice. If your doctor or pharmacist has changed the recommended dose, you should ask for further information from your doctor or pharmacist.
The recommended dose of Movicol is 1 sachet a day. This can be increased to 2 or 3 sachets daily if necessary.
Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation. Not enough fluids. Water and other fluids help fiber work better, so not drinking enough liquids can contribute to harder stools that are more difficult to pass.
Dairy Products
“On the opposite end of the spectrum, fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir can improve gut health and may decrease the likelihood of constipation,” she notes.
Dulcolax® Liquid Laxative works faster than MiraLAX. Dulcolax® works in as little as 30 minutes (30 minutes to 6 hours) while MiraLAX works in 1–3 days (based on product labeling).
MOVICOL® usually takes 1 to 2 days to trigger the first bowel movement.
Fecal impaction often occurs in people who have had constipation for a long time and have been using laxatives. The problem is even more likely when the laxatives are suddenly stopped. The muscles of the intestines forget how to move stool or feces on their own.