Laxatives

Increase stool water, propulsion or secretion
Osmotic agents are common first-line drugs
Stimulants increase colonic propulsion
Secretagogues/prucalopride treat refractory CIC
Bulk fiber requires adequate motility/fluids
Match agent to constipation mechanism

Class at a glance

Increase stool water, propulsion or secretion

Clinical role

Osmotic agents are common first-line drugs
Stimulants increase colonic propulsion

Other clinical roles

Secretagogues/prucalopride treat refractory CIC
Bulk fiber requires adequate motility/fluids

Clinical distinctions

Match agent to constipation mechanism

Drugs in this class (16)

PEG 3350 ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — PEG 3350

Lactulose ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Lactulose

Mg hydroxide ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Mg hydroxide

Magnesium oxide ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Magnesium oxide

Bisacodyl ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Bisacodyl

Senna ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Senna

Linaclotide ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Linaclotide

Plecanatide ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Plecanatide

Lubiprostone ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Lubiprostone

Psyllium ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Psyllium

Methylcellulose ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Methylcellulose

Wheat dextrin ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Wheat dextrin

Inulin ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Inulin

Acacia gum ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Acacia gum

Calcium polycarbophil ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Calcium polycarbophil

Docusate ballicule — decagon mechanism diagram — Docusate

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