From the Guidelines
To quickly relieve constipation, increase your fluid intake to at least 8 glasses of water daily and try over-the-counter options like osmotic laxatives (Miralax/polyethylene glycol, 17g mixed in 8oz of water once daily) or stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl/Dulcolax, 5-10mg tablet or suppository) for faster relief.
Methods for Quick Relief
- Fiber supplements such as psyllium husk (Metamucil, 1 tablespoon in water 1-3 times daily) can help, though they work more gradually 1.
- Physical activity like a 15-30 minute walk can stimulate bowel movement, as can gentle abdominal massage in clockwise circles.
- For immediate relief, try a glycerin suppository or a Fleet enema.
- Drinking warm liquids, especially coffee or prune juice (8oz), can trigger bowel movements within hours. These methods work by either softening stool, drawing water into the intestines, stimulating intestinal contractions, or lubricating the intestinal passage.
Additional Considerations
- A balanced diet with adequate fibre intake, exercise, and regular time for defecation is also recommended 1.
- If constipation persists beyond a week, is accompanied by severe pain, bleeding, or occurs regularly, consult a healthcare provider as it may indicate an underlying condition.
- Peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists may help to relieve opioid-induced constipation (OIC) while maintaining pain management 1.
- Newer agents such as lubiprostone and linaclotide have also been shown to be effective in treating constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses relieves occasional constipation (irregularity) generally produces a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours INDICATIONS AND USAGE For temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity This product generally produces bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours
To help constipation quickly, senna (PO) 2 and bisacodyl (PO) 3 can be used as they generally produce a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours.
- Take the medication as directed
- Make sure to follow the instructions on the label
- If constipation lasts more than 7 days, stop use and ask a doctor 4
From the Research
Quick Relief for Constipation
To help constipation quickly, several methods can be employed:
- Increase fiber intake: Consuming a high-fiber diet can help increase stool frequency and reduce laxative consumption, as seen in a study where a daily fiber intake of 25 g increased stool frequency in patients with chronic functional constipation 5.
- Increase fluid intake: Drinking enough water, approximately 1.5-2.0 liters per day, can enhance the effect of a high-fiber diet on stool frequency and laxative consumption 5.
- Use of laxatives: Polyethylene glycol (PEG), or macrogol, is a well-studied laxative that can produce good results with minimal side effects 6. Other laxatives like psyllium, sodium picosulfate, bisacodyl, prucalopride, lubiprostone, and linaclotide have also been found to be effective in treating chronic idiopathic constipation 7.
- Combination therapy: Combining psyllium with PEG or other laxatives can be an effective therapeutic option for patients with chronic constipation 6, 8.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to increasing fiber and fluid intake, other lifestyle changes can help alleviate constipation:
- Dietary monitoring and modifications: Keeping track of food intake and making necessary changes can help manage constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome 9.
- Increased physical activity: Regular exercise can help stimulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive health 9.
- Biofeedback therapy and pelvic muscle re-education: These therapies can be beneficial for patients with dyssynergic defecation, a type of constipation caused by pelvic floor dysfunction 9.