Best Stimulant Laxatives: Brand Names To Know And Try

Stimulant laxatives are used to treat constipation and are available in a variety of forms, such as liquids, powders, chewables, tablets, and suppositories. They work by stimulating the bowel to contract and push out the stool. Some common brands of stimulant laxatives include Senexon, Fletcher's Castoria, Senokot, Black Draught, Feen-A-Mint, Correctol, Dulcolax, and Carter's Little Pills. These laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, but it is important to discuss their use with a doctor and follow their recommendations.

Bisacodyl: Dulcolax, Correctol, Carter's Little Pills, and Bisa-Lax

Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that can be used to treat constipation. It may also be used to empty and prepare the bowel for surgery or examination. Bisacodyl works by promoting the contraction of the intestines, helping to move stools through the bowel. It is one of the harshest types of laxatives and should not be used for more than a few days. Prolonged use can cause the bowel to lose its muscle tone and forget how to push out stool unaided.

Bisacodyl is available under several brand names, including:

Dulcolax

Dulcolax is a brand of bisacodyl that is available as a laxative to relieve constipation. It can also be used to empty and prepare the bowel for surgery or examination. Dulcolax works by stimulating the bowel to make it easier to pass stools. It is recommended to follow the directions on the label for dosage instructions and not to exceed the recommended amount as it can be dangerous.

Correctol

Correctol is another brand of bisacodyl that is used as a laxative to treat constipation. It may also be used for bowel preparation before surgery or examinations. Correctol, like other bisacodyl brands, stimulates the intestines to contract and push out stools. It is important to read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine to ensure it is safe for you to take.

Carter's Little Pills

Carter's Little Pills are yet another bisacodyl brand that functions as a laxative to aid in constipation relief. Additionally, they can be used to empty and prepare the bowel for surgical or examination purposes. Carter's Little Pills, being a stimulant laxative, induce rhythmic contractions in the intestinal muscles to facilitate bowel movements.

Bisa-Lax

Bisa-Lax is a bisacodyl-based laxative that helps relieve constipation. It can also be used to clear the bowel before surgery or medical procedures. As a stimulant laxative, Bisa-Lax stimulates the intestines to contract and promote the passage of stools through the bowel. It is important to note that Bisa-Lax, like other laxatives, can cause side effects such as cramping, gas, bloating, nausea, or diarrhoea.

Senna/Senna Lax: Senokot, Senexon, Fletcher's Castoria, and Ex-Lax

Senna, also known as sennosides, is a common active ingredient in stimulant laxatives. Senna treats occasional constipation by helping the muscles in the intestines move stool, which produces a bowel movement.

Senokot

Senokot is a stimulant laxative that contains sennosides. It is used to treat constipation and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. This medication comes in tablet form and is typically taken once or twice daily, as needed. It is recommended to take Senokot with a full glass of water and to allow for 12 to 72 hours for it to take effect.

Senexon

Senexon, containing sennosides, is another over-the-counter option for treating constipation. It is available in tablet form and is usually taken at bedtime with a full glass of water. It is important to note that Senexon may cause stomach discomfort or cramping, and it should not be used for more than one week unless directed by a doctor.

Fletchers Castoria

Fletchers Castoria is a liquid stimulant laxative that contains senna. It has a long history of use, dating back to 1879. The formula is intended to be gentle on the stomach and is suitable for adults and children over the age of two. It is recommended to take Fletchers Castoria orally, following the dosage instructions on the package or as directed by a doctor.

Ex-Lax

Ex-Lax is a popular brand of stimulant laxative that has been providing relief from constipation for over 100 years. The active ingredient in Ex-Lax is senna, and it is available in various forms, including tablets, chocolate-flavored pills, and gummies. Ex-Lax is designed to stimulate the intestines to help produce a bowel movement, and it typically provides relief within 6 to 12 hours.

It is important to note that while stimulant laxatives like Senna/Senna Lax can be effective in treating constipation, they should not be used for extended periods without medical advice. These medications can cause side effects such as stomach cramps and, in some cases, discoloured urine. As with all medications, it is essential to read the instructions carefully and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Sennosides: Senexon and Black Draught

Sennosides are a type of stimulant laxative, which are used to treat constipation. They work by stimulating the bowel to make it easier to pass stool. They are one of the faster-acting types of laxatives.

Senexon

Senexon is a brand of sennoside-based stimulant laxative. It is available over the counter and can be purchased at drugstores and supermarkets, or online. It is typically taken orally, in tablet form, with a glass of water. The recommended dosage for adults and children over 12 years is two tablets, once or twice daily. It should not be used for more than a week unless advised by a doctor.

Black Draught

Black Draught is another over-the-counter sennoside laxative. It is available in liquid form and is taken orally, usually one fluid ounce, up to four times a day. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids when taking Black Draught. As with other laxatives, it should not be used for more than seven days without consulting a doctor.

Precautions and Side Effects

As with all stimulant laxatives, sennosides should not be used by those with intestinal blockages or undiagnosed rectal bleeding. They should also be avoided by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Side effects of sennosides include discoloured urine, which may turn brownish-red. If you experience any side effects, consult your doctor immediately.

Bisacodyl/Polyethylene Glycol: HalfLytely and Bisacodyl

Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that can be used to relieve constipation. It works by stimulating the bowel to promote the movement of stools through the bowel. Constipation is usually defined as "the passage of hard stools less frequently than the person's normal bowel pattern". Bisacodyl is available under several brand names, including Dulcolax, Correctol, and Carter's Little Pills. It is important to note that stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl should not be used for more than a few days, as prolonged use can cause the bowel to lose its muscle tone and become dependent on the laxative.

Polyethylene glycol is an osmotic laxative that causes the intestine to hold more fluid, softening stools and aiding the bowel in moving them out. One brand name for this type of laxative is MiraLAX. Polyethylene glycol is also used in bowel cleansing preparations, which are used to ensure the bowel is free of solid contents before surgery or examinations. One such preparation is HalfLytely, which combines polyethylene glycol with other ingredients, including bisacodyl.

HalfLytely and Bisacodyl is a bowel cleansing preparation that is used to empty the bowel of fecal matter before procedures or surgery involving the lower bowel. It is important to use these preparations with caution, as they can cause fluid and electrolyte disturbances, such as dehydration and low potassium levels, which should be corrected before administration.

Laxatives should generally not be used long-term unless under medical supervision. Before taking a laxative, it is important to try lifestyle changes, such as increasing fluid intake, exercising, and adding more fibre to the diet. If constipation persists despite these measures, a laxative may be helpful, but it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice on which laxative to use and how to take it.

Sennosides/Docusate: Senokot S, Senexon-S, and Senna Plus

Sennosides, also known as senna, is a common active ingredient in stimulant laxatives. It helps treat occasional constipation by aiding the muscles in the intestines to move stool and produce a bowel movement. Senna is available under several brand names, including:

Senokot S, Senexon-S, and Senna Plus

Senokot S (sennosides/docusate) is a stimulant laxative that combines sennosides with docusate, an emollient stool softener. This combination helps to stimulate the intestines and soften the stool, making it easier to pass. Senexon-S is also a combination of sennosides and docusate, providing the same dual action of stimulating the intestines and softening the stool. Senna Plus is another brand name for the combination of docusate and sennosides, offering the benefits of both a stimulant laxative and a stool softener.

These stimulant laxatives are generally well-tolerated but should be used with caution. It is recommended to only use them occasionally and for a short duration, typically not more than a week unless advised by a doctor. Overuse or long-term use of stimulant laxatives can lead to a loss of muscle tone in the bowel, making it dependent on laxatives to function properly. Additionally, they may cause side effects such as brownish-red urine when taking senna-based laxatives. It is important to discuss any side effects with your doctor and follow their recommendations for safe and effective laxative use.

Frequently asked questions