The 5 Best Laxatives (And How To Choose The Right One For You)

Updated 14 Jun 2022

Why Trust RevuuBuddy?

We spend thousands of hours researching, evaluating, and testing items to recommend the best options for the customers. We only get paid if you purchase anything through one of our links, and all of our product opinions are our own.

Finding the correct product can be difficult and time-consuming. You might not have time to do it yourself, so let us help you. RevuuBuddy reviews thousands of items in hundreds of categories, including home appliances, toys, camping supplies, and everything in between.

We compare the most popular brands and models, and we boil them down to the top five to give you the most in-depth and dependable buying recommendation - so you can make the best buying decision possible.

BEST OF THE BEST

How We Tested

These products are recommended based on a thorough research process that aims to cut through the clutter and uncover the best products in this category. We spend hours looking into the elements that matter with the assistance of experts to provide you with these options.

Models Considered

180

Consumers Consulted

Hours Researched

Updated 14 Jun 2022

Written by

Mark Joseph Aduana

MiraLAX Laxative Powder

BOTTOM LINE
Trusted Brand
Whether you have an upset stomach or just need light comfort, this works safely and without pain.

PROS
This powder is tasteless and without grit, allowing users to combine it with whatever beverage they like. The cap has measures on it. Does not include gluten, sugar, or preservatives. It has 45 doses and a shelf life of three years.

CONS
It can take up to 24 hours for the work to be done. It is a bit expensive, but it is worth it.

Check Price

Dulcolax Laxative Tablets

BOTTOM LINE
Simple Yet Solid
This laxative is well-known for its fast action, but some people may find the side effects unpleasant.

PROS
A proven cure from a reputable company. It can work in just 12 hours. It's easy to use when you want to go back to sleep. When other therapies didn’t work, this remedy immediately relieves severe constipation.

CONS
Excessively strong bowel movements and cramps are possible. It's not cheap.

Check Price

Prunelax Natural Laxative Tablets

BOTTOM LINE
Overnight Relief
Consider these non-prescription natural tablets for long-term relief without worrying about negative consequences.

PROS
For a natural alternative, Senna leaves, and dried plums are combined. It does not enter circulation, so it cannot create dependence on consumers. Can be used for up to 7 days in a row.

CONS
Not intended for children under 15 yrs old.

Check Price

Phillips' Bayer Milk of Magnesia

BOTTOM LINE
Comfortable Relief
This cost-effective laxative is gentle enough for the entire family.

PROS
No cramps. It's safe to use after surgery. Caplets that are easy to swallow

CONS
Large caplets might be a problem.

Check Price

Phillips' Genuine Milk of Magnesia

BOTTOM LIFE
Bargain Pick
A fast-acting, cramp-free laxative that's simple to use.

PROS
Inexpensive. No cramps. Sugar-free and stimulant-free. Results can be seen from a half-hour to six hours after consumption. At this low price, it's worth buying in bulk.

CONS
People who follow a magnesium-restricted diet should seek another laxative.

Check Price

How to Choose the Best Laxatives

A week of poor eating on vacation can cause your stomach to rebel, forcing you to strain in the restroom. A new medicine might block your system and make you irregular. The solution for mild constipation? A laxative that aids in softening hard stools and reduces straining.

Laxatives aren't replacements for a balanced diet but can be helpful in cases of sudden digestive problems that lead to constipation. Digestive health is important for your general well-being.

Are you shedding blood in your stool? Contact your doctor if you believe the bleeding is due to straining.

CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION

It's never a pleasant experience to be clogged, and it isn't usual. Here are some of the reasons you may have difficulties in the bathroom.

Thankfully, most cases of constipation can be handled by making changes to your lifestyle.

Bad diet: If you don't consume enough fiber, your stool will likely come out hard and be difficult to pass.
Lack of exercise: Physical activity shakes your insides. Spending more time in front of the television than walking or working out can slow down your body's functions.
Medication: Certain medicines can disrupt your digestive system or lead to dehydration, causing constipation.
Supplements: Are you trapped in the bathroom for no apparent reason? You may be taking your new supplements every morning.
Chronic conditions: Constipation can be caused by a variety of illnesses. Because of their inactive state, bedridden individuals are less likely to have bowel movements.
Severe illness: Digestive tract health may be jeopardized by various malignancies. Constipation and blockages in the intestines or rectum can also prevent bowel passage.

How to counteract constipation

Eat fiber: If you're prone to constipation, eating plenty of fiber in your diet might prevent it from happening again. Are fruits and vegetables not your thing? There are lots of high-fiber breakfast cereals to choose from.
Drink water: Don't forget to hydrate throughout the day. It's easy to overlook your natural thirst reflex when things are hectic. Maintain a water bottle filled at the beginning of the day and sip periodically until it is empty.
Go: Finally, don't hold it. If you must go, get to the restroom as soon as possible.

TYPES OF LAXATIVES

It's never easy to find your way around a pharmacy. You'll discover many different brands selling the same thing and various versions of medicines and supplements that do the same job. Although laxatives provide the same relief from constipation as you might anticipate, they achieve it differently. Some are more likely to cause negative effects than others.

Read the labels. Choose laxatives with fewer active components. Some laxatives contain lactose, which is not recommended for people who are lactose-intolerant.

There are different types of laxatives. Capsules, powders, and suppositories are all forms of laxatives. Powders need to be mixed with water or juice, capsules are easy to take on the go, and suppositories work quickly.

Bulk-forming

Fiber supplements are bulk-forming laxatives. These are taken orally, usually in water or juice, and are mild on the digestive system. These laxatives aid in returning your intestines to normal by stimulating intestinal muscle contractions. Make sure to drink lots of water when you take this laxative because if you don’t, you could become more constipated than before. A bulk-forming laxative is often combined with a big glass of liquid.

Osmotics

Oral osmotic laxatives, for example, pump water into the intestines to prevent constipation. If you don't drink enough water over time, these treatments might cause you to become dehydrated.

Stool softeners

These laxatives increase moisture content in the stool, which aids in the softening and passing of a bowel movement.

Stimulants

Stimulants are also taken by mouth, which causes the intestinal muscular tissues to contract, forcing your digestive system to accelerate. However, if you take them too frequently, your body may become reliant on them.

Suppositories

A suppository is a kind of laxative that is inserted into the rectum. Suppositories can double as stimulators for contractions and soften stools. They are more effective than other types of laxatives.

SIDE EFFECTS OF LAXATIVES

When you take a laxative, you may expect the following side effects: your bowel motions will be smoother, and your digestive system will work more regularly.

However, this may cause some discomfort. Here are some of them:

Bloating and gas
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Nausea
Loss of electrolytes
Dehydration

CAUTION

Pregnant women should avoid stimulant-type laxatives and any other laxatives not recommended by a doctor.

TEAM
RevuuBuddy

LAXATIVE SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Laxatives aren't meant to be used daily. These medicines are only used to treat occasional cases of constipation and help people who have problems with passing stools (such as hemorrhoids). Like other forms of stimulant laxatives, Laxatives can weaken the muscle walls in your intestine and cause them to become permeable. Some laxatives may affect the way your body processes certain medications. Since laxatives regulate the digestive process, they might also impede nutrition intake.

While several laxative medicines are created particularly for youngsters, it's a good idea to consult with a doctor before administering one to a kid.

If laxatives aren't working, you may have a more severe issue. Consult your doctor. Keeping an eye on your bowel movements is an excellent method to monitor your health. A change in frequency or form of stools indicates that something may be wrong. If you ate a lot of junk food recently or haven't exercised in a while, your metabolism may be struggling due to the lack of nutrients. However, if you can't figure out what caused the shift, it's an indication that you should see your doctor.

LAXATIVE PRICES

Over-the-counter laxatives start at around $10 and vary depending on the brand. Children's laxatives may be more expensive than adult versions, but they shouldn't set you back more than $20.

It's not worth spending a lot more money on bulk laxatives. Unlike supplements and vitamins, bulk laxatives aren't intended to be consumed frequently, so paying extra for a larger, longer-lasting bottle does not necessarily mean getting a better deal.

A bowel obstruction may be indicated by fewer visits to the bathroom.

FAQ

Q. How often is a normal person’s bowel movement?

A. It depends from person to person. But everyone has a regular frequency. If your routine changes, it's possible that you're constipated. Constipation can be classified as fewer than three bowel motions in a week.

Q. What are other alternatives for a laxative?

A. The greatest methods for natural movement of your digestive system are consuming high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly.

Q. How much fiber should I consume in a day?

A. Adults should consume 30 grams of fiber each day, which is equivalent to 30 grams of carbs. Adults who eat high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber meals tend to have a healthy digestive system. Diets high in fiber have been linked to a decreased incidence of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

Q. Does a laxative require a prescription?

A. No. The majority of laxatives are available without a prescription. However, you might be given a laxative ahead of time to clean out your system before surgery. Although you don't need a prescription to get laxatives, you shouldn't take one without consulting your doctor.

Q. How does a suppository laxative work?

A. A suppository is inserted into the rectum. For fast-acting effects, suppositories dissolve and are rapidly absorbed into the circulation.

Q. Is an enema the same as a suppository?

A. No. A laxative suppository has active components that stimulate your intestines and help soften stools. They are in the shape of a brick and are inserted into the rectum. An enema is when someone pours liquid into another person's backside. One of the more popular home cures for constipation is utilizing an enema. Enemas are more powerful than suppositories. The two treatments should not be used at the same time.