From the Guidelines
To treat constipation, start with lifestyle changes like increasing fiber intake to 25-30 grams daily through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Lifestyle Changes
- Increase fiber intake to 25-30 grams daily through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily
- Regular physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements
Over-the-Counter Options
- Fiber supplements like psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel), taken with plenty of water
- Osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX, 17g in 8oz water daily) or stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax, 5-10mg) or senna (Senokot, 8.6-17.2mg) before bed
- Stool softeners like docusate sodium (Colace, 100mg twice daily) can help if stools are hard
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
- If constipation persists beyond two weeks
- If constipation is accompanied by severe pain, bleeding, or weight loss
- If you're over 50 with new constipation symptoms, as these could indicate more serious conditions 1 The American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Gastroenterology guideline 1 provides the most recent and highest quality evidence for the management of chronic idiopathic constipation, and its recommendations should be prioritized in clinical practice. Additionally, other studies 1 support the use of lifestyle changes and over-the-counter options as the first line of treatment for constipation.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses for relief of occasional constipation (irregularity). This product generally produces bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours. Principal Display Panel ... Gives you additional fiber to help relieve occasional constipation You can treat your constipation with psyllium (PO) or methylcellulose (PO), which are used for relief of occasional constipation. Bullet points of key considerations:
- Psyllium (PO) generally produces bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours 2.
- Methylcellulose (PO) gives you additional fiber to help relieve occasional constipation 3. Do not use polyethylene glycol (PO) for more than 1 week 4.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Constipation
To treat constipation, several options can be considered, including:
- Lifestyle modifications
- Increased intake of fiber and water, as suggested by most health professionals 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Dietary changes, such as consuming a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated 5, 6, 8, 9
- Medication, which may be required to manage constipation for some patients 7
Dietary Recommendations
Dietary recommendations for treating constipation include:
- Increasing fiber intake, particularly soluble fibers such as psyllium 6
- Drinking adequate amounts of water, with a recommended intake of 1.5-2.0 liters per day 8
- Consuming wholegrain carbohydrates, fruit, and vegetables as first-line treatments 9
- Avoiding high amounts of insoluble vegetable fiber, which can worsen digestive symptoms 6
Combination Therapies
Combination therapies, such as the use of psyllium and polyethylene glycol (PEG) or macrogol, may also be effective in treating constipation 6
- Psyllium can help increase stool frequency and improve digestive symptoms
- PEG or macrogol can help increase the volume of intestinal contents, reducing consistency and facilitating transport and evacuation 6