FAQs
Dulcolax has an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 from a total of 1137 ratings on Drugs.com. 39% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 41% reported a negative effect. Phillips' Milk of Magnesia has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 194 ratings on Drugs.com.
What is the best laxative to take for severe constipation? ›
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. They tend to work at least as well, often have more evidence for their safety, and are much cheaper.
What works better than Milk of Magnesia? ›
MiraLax, the brand name for polyethylene glycol PEG, acts similarly to fiber laxatives, as it draws water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. It also stimulates more frequent bowel movements. Miralax has been found to cause less gas and bloating than other osmotic laxatives.
What is a better laxative than Dulcolax? ›
Miralax, an osmotic laxative, typically takes 1 to 3 days to work. It's only available as a powder that you mix into a beverage. Compared to Dulcolax, Miralax can take longer to work. But it is much more tolerated and tends to cause fewer side effects than other laxatives.
What has replaced Milk of Magnesia? ›
Milk of Magnesia Alternatives Compared
Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) | Docusate | MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) |
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Patient resources |
Milk of Magnesia uses | Docusate uses | MiraLAX uses |
Professional Resources |
N/A | Prescribing information | Prescribing information |
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Which is better, Dulcolax or milk of magnesia? ›
Dulcolax has an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 from a total of 1137 ratings on Drugs.com. 39% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 41% reported a negative effect. Phillips' Milk of Magnesia has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 194 ratings on Drugs.com.
What simple trick empties your bowels immediately? ›
Try These Tricks for Quick Bowel Movement Stimulation
- Drink coffee. Regarding drinks that make you poop, coffee is probably the first that comes to mind. ...
- Squat when you poop. ...
- Use a fiber supplement. ...
- Take a stimulant laxative. ...
- Take an osmotic laxative. ...
- Take a lubricant laxative. ...
- Try a stool softener. ...
- Use a suppository.
What are the downsides of Milk of Magnesia? ›
Extended use or overuse of this medication for constipation may result in dependence on laxatives and ongoing constipation. Overuse may also cause diarrhea that doesn't stop, dehydration, and mineral imbalances (such as high magnesium). Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Why was Milk of Magnesia discontinued? ›
Plastikon Healthcare Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Milk of Magnesia Oral Suspension and Magnesium Hydroxide /Aluminum Hydroxide /Simethicone Oral Suspension Due to Microbial Contamination | FDA.
What laxative works in 30 minutes? ›
Dulcolax® Liquid is stimulant-free and works naturally with the water in your body to provide gentle, fast-acting constipation relief in as little as 30 minutes (30 minutes to 6 hours).
The osmotic laxative is the best laxative for the elderly. Most older adults tolerate polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) well and use it daily. Senna and other stimulant laxatives are often helpful, too. You can also combine them with an osmotic laxative.
Is Dulcolax good for severe constipation? ›
DULCOLAX is used for constipation, for conditions that require easier bowel emptying, as well as for bowel emptying during treatment measures and measures to detect diseases (therapeutic and diagnostic interventions) on the intestine.
What if milk of magnesia doesn't work? ›
If a person does not have a bowel movement after using milk of magnesia, they should stop using it and talk with a doctor. In those cases, an underlying condition may be the cause of constipation and may need additional treatment from a doctor.
What is the number one recommended laxative? ›
Rankings: Laxatives
Rank | Brand | Active/Key Ingredients (sample product) |
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#1 Score: 100 | MiraLAX | Polyethylene Glycol |
#2 Score: 65 | Dulcolax | Magnesium Hydroxide (1200mg) |
#3 Score: 36 | Metamucil | Psyllium Husk |
#4 Score: 16 | Phillips' | Magnesium Hydroxide (1200mg) |
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What is the best brand of milk of magnesia? ›
Read 306 Reviews. Same page link. Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia, the #1 milk of magnesia brand, provides overnight relief from occasional constipation and helps you get back to regular.
What is the most effective medication for constipation? ›
Stimulants. It's better to try these if your constipation is severe and other drugs haven't worked. They cause your intestines to squeeze so things get moving. Two of the more common ones are bisacodyl (Correctol, Ducodyl, Dulcolax) and sennocides (Senexon, Senokot).
What should I take if I am severely constipated? ›
Take over-the-counter medicines
- fiber supplements (Citrucel, FiberCon, Metamucil)
- osmotic agents (Milk of Magnesia, Miralax)
- stool softeners link (Colace, Docusate)
- lubricants, such as mineral oil (Fleet)
- stimulants (Correctol, Dulcolax)
What if I take laxatives and still can't poop? ›
See your GP for advice if you're often constipated, despite making appropriate lifestyle changes, or if your constipation hasn't improved after taking laxatives for more than a week.
What is a stronger laxative than Miralax? ›
Dulcolax and Miralax are both OTC laxatives used to treat constipation. Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative that works faster than Miralax. While Dulcolax tablets produce a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours, the suppositories work much faster, producing a bowel movement within 1 hour.