Best constipation pills for adults
Surely everyone is familiar with the situation when going to the toilet becomes a big problem. Constipation causes pain and bloating in the abdomen, and general well-being worsens. Special preparations will help to quickly and gently cleanse the intestines. Find out which pills will help with constipation, and how often they can be taken

The causes of such a delicate problem as stool retention or constipation are not always associated with acute or chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Improper diet, insufficient fluid intake, sedentary lifestyle, stress – all this can disrupt intestinal motility1 and lead to problems with its emptying.

Rating of the top 10 inexpensive and effective pills for constipation according to KP

Laxatives have many different forms – they are suppositories, microenemas, solutions, powders or tablets. We will discuss effective and inexpensive pills for constipation with you and remind you that before buying a drug, you must first consult with your doctor.

1. Senadexin

The drug is available in tablets and is sold without a doctor’s prescription. The main active ingredient is an extract of senna leaves, which irritates the intestinal walls and stimulates its motility. Due to this, the stool softens, and bowel movements are gentle and painless.

Senadexin is recommended for use only as an emergency for acute constipation. For the effective action of the drug, it is enough to take it 1 tablet 1 time per day.

Contraindications: strangulated hernia and peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, cystitis, pyelonephritis, various types of bleeding.

natural composition, fast and gentle action.
side effects may occur: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, urticaria.
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2. Bisakodil

Available in the form of tablets and rectal suppositories, sold without a doctor’s prescription. Bisacodyl helps with constipation that occurs in patients after prolonged bed rest, surgery, malnutrition and violation of the regime. The drug is also used to cleanse the intestines before preparing for operations on the abdominal cavity. Tablets act after 6-8 hours, suppositories help to empty the intestines for an hour.

The laxative effect is achieved by irritating the intestinal walls and accelerating its peristalsis, which facilitates the passage of stool. It is important to remember that you can not take the drug together with antacids (drugs that neutralize hydrochloric acid in the stomach), wash down the tablets with milk or alkaline mineral water.

Contraindications: damage to the liver, kidneys, hemorrhoids, allergy to the components of the drug.

copes with constipation of various etiologies, quick effect.
possible side effects: colic, stomach pain, diarrhea. May be addictive with long-term use.
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3. Guttalax

The drug is available in the form of tablets, drops for oral administration and rectal suppositories. Sold in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. The main active ingredient is sodium picosulfate. The laxative effect is achieved due to the stimulating effect of the drug on the intestinal mucosa, especially the colon. Works well for chronic constipation, helps to gently cleanse the intestines. In the form of drops, it is also used in children. Accepted by pregnant and lactating mothers.

Guttalax relieves constipation associated with malnutrition, fluid deficiency and certain medications. The effect occurs within 6-12 hours.

Contraindications: intestinal obstruction, bowel disease, including appendicitis, lactase deficiency, severe dehydration, children under 4 years of age.

can be used by pregnant and lactating women, helps with chronic constipation.
possible side effects – mild abdominal cramps, flatulence, nausea.
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4. Dulcolax

The drug is available in the form of tablets, sold without a prescription. The main active ingredient is bisacodyl, as well as vegetable wax and castor oil. It is indicated for adults and children from 4 years of age with chronic constipation due to atony (lethargy) of the intestine and for cleansing before abdominal operations. The drug can be used for a long time, as it is not addictive. The main thing is to choose the right dosage with your doctor.

Contraindications: acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pregnancy, intestinal obstruction.

non-addictive, fast and mild effect.
with prolonged use, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, dizziness may occur.
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5. Vegaprat

The drug is available in tablets, issued by prescription. The main active ingredient is prucalopride, which is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and increases intestinal motility.1.

Vegaprat helps relieve constipation and associated symptoms, such as bloating and abdominal pain, without being addictive with long-term use. Tablets are taken orally, regardless of food intake, at any time of the day.2.

Contraindications: impaired renal function, intestinal obstruction, severe intestinal inflammation or perforation, ulcerative colitis, hypersensitivity to prucalopride.

non-addictive, fast effect.
may affect the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

6. Guttasil

The drug Guttasil is available in tablets, issued without a doctor’s prescription. The main active ingredient is sodium picosulfate, which stimulates the nerve endings of the intestinal mucosa and improves its peristalsis. Due to the accumulation of water and electrolytes in the large intestine, feces quickly soften and are excreted from the body. Taking the drug does not cause painful abdominal cramps, does not affect the digestion of food and the absorption of vitamins and other nutrients.

Guttalax is prescribed for the treatment of a wide variety of constipation (due to dysbacteriosis and dietary disorders, with diseases of the gallbladder, after operations and childbirth, in the elderly, etc.), to soften the stool with hemorrhoids, proctitis and anal fissures,

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, intestinal obstruction, acute inflammatory bowel disease, severe dehydration, lactase deficiency or intolerance. With caution: in old age and hypokalemia.

helps with a variety of constipation, affordable price.
should not be taken longer than 10 days, as it can be addictive.
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7. Weak

The drug Slabilen is available in tablets, issued without a doctor’s prescription. The main active ingredient is sodium picosulfate. As a local laxative, Slabilen has a stimulating effect on the mucosa of the large intestine, triggering its peristalsis.3. Also, the drug contributes to the accumulation of water and electrolytes in the large intestine, due to which the feces soften and are quickly excreted from the body. The laxative effect occurs 10-12 hours after taking the pill.

Slabilen is prescribed for constipation caused by atony and hypotension (sluggish peristalsis) of the colon, including in elderly or bedridden patients, after childbirth and taking certain medications, as well as in violation of the diet. Also, the drug is used to soften the stool for hemorrhoids, proctitis and anal fissures.

Contraindications: intestinal obstruction, acute diseases of the abdominal organs, accompanied by pain, nausea and vomiting (for example, appendicitis), hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, lactase deficiency, children under 10 years of age, 1st trimester of pregnancy.

effective for various constipation, can be used (with caution) in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
with prolonged use (more than 10 days) can cause hypokalemia, a large list of contraindications.
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8. Senades

The drug Senade is available in tablets, issued without a doctor’s prescription. The main active ingredient is an extract of senna leaves, a popular herbal laxative. The effect occurs within 8-10 hours after taking the drug. The manufacturer notes that while taking the pills, the stool can turn yellow-brown or red-lilac, you don’t need to be scared4.

Indications for use: hemorrhoids, proctitis, anal fissures, as well as constipation caused by hypotension and sluggish intestinal motility.

Contraindications: spastic constipation (caused by intestinal spasm), intestinal obstruction, strangulated hernia, peritonitis, cystitis, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, acute inflammatory diseases of the abdominal cavity, gastrointestinal and uterine bleeding.

completely herbal composition, can be used in children (from 6 years old), during pregnancy and lactation (under medical supervision).
a wide list of contraindications, a relatively high price.
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9. Slabifit

Another laxative drug based on sodium picosulfate, which is available in tablets and does not require a prescription from a doctor. Slabifit helps with constipation caused by weak intestinal motility (in bedridden patients, after operations and childbirth). Also, the tablets effectively soften the feces, which makes it easier to empty the intestines with hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

The tablet should be taken whole, without breaking, and washed down with a small amount of water. It is better to take the drug at night so that the effect comes by the morning visit to the toilet. The maximum daily dose is 3 tablets. If within 10 days the problem of constipation is not resolved, you should consult a doctor.

Contraindications: intestinal obstruction, acute inflammatory bowel disease, lactase deficiency, children under 10 years of age, 1st trimester of pregnancy.

affordable price, tablets have no taste and are easy to swallow.
possible side effects: nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, skin rash and itching.
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10. Elpoir

The last drug in our ranking also contains sodium picosulfate as an active substance. This substance irritates the intestinal walls, causing them to contract and increasing peristalsis. As a result, urges and the process of defecation are launched. The composition also contains potassium chloride, ascorbic acid, starch and talc.

Elpuar is recommended not only for the treatment of various constipation, but also as a dietary supplement – an additional source of vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. It is produced in the form of tablets and does not require a prescription from a doctor, as it is not a drug.

Contraindications: gastrointestinal and uterine bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, cystitis, severe dehydration, spastic constipation, acute diseases of the abdominal organs.

additional source of vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.
rarely found in pharmacies, a fairly extensive list of contraindications.
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How to choose constipation pills for adults

Laxative drugs are divided into groups according to the main effect they have on the digestive system. It is difficult to choose the best constipation pills for adults on your own, it is important to know the causes and type of constipation (spastic or atonic). Therefore, it is important that any drug is approved by a doctor.

Options for laxative tablets:

Irritant action. They are indicated for people suffering from constipation due to sluggish bowels and a sedentary lifestyle. Stimulate the wall, irritate the receptors and increase motility.

Filler tablets. These drugs contain a large amount of fibers, which, when released into the intestines, swell and increase the volume of feces, stimulating the intestinal wall to contract. They help make stools bulkier and softer.

Enzyme preparations. Helps digest food and leave less unprocessed residue, including fat. They are indicated for constipation associated with problems of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

Probiotics. They normalize the composition of the microflora, thereby improving bowel function and digestion of food. Indicated for constipation on the background of antibiotic therapy.

Popular questions and answers

What causes constipation, how to deal with it, as well as other popular questions, our expert answers – therapist, nutritionist Olga Zhur.

Why can constipation occur?

– Let’s start with the fact that constipation means a persistent dysfunction of the large intestine, in which the frequency of stools is less than 3 times a week and is accompanied by forced straining.

Constipation causes include the following:

• sedentary lifestyle;

• reduced content of dietary plant fibers in the diet;

• insufficient fluid intake;

• neglect of the natural urge to defecate (typical for schools, the army);

• taking certain medications (eg, opioids, verapamil, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antacids, diuretics, iron supplements, etc.);

• intestinal tumors;

• endocrine diseases (hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease);

• diabetic neuropathy;

• neurological diseases (Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis);

• psychological causes (anorexia nervosa, depression);

• pregnancy.

What to do if you have constipation?

– In acute constipation, laxatives are prescribed to stimulate bowel function. With severe constipation, the condition can be relieved by microclysters.

For chronic constipation (which lasts more than 3 months), diet correction, an increase in the intake of vegetable fiber and fluids (effective even during pregnancy), and the abolition of laxatives that stimulate bowel function will help. Laxatives that increase the volume of intestinal contents will be more effective.

What symptoms of constipation should not be ignored?

It is very important not to ignore the following symptoms of constipation:

• decrease in stool frequency (less than 3 times a week);

• thicker consistency of feces (“sheep feces”);

• discharge of a small amount of feces (less than 100 g);

• feeling of incomplete bowel movement after going to the toilet;

• the process of defecation takes a long time, you have to push.

 

If these clinical signs of constipation appear, you should seek medical advice.

Can constipation be treated at home?

– Self-treatment of constipation is absolutely impossible. Before prescribing treatment, the doctor must find out the cause of constipation and exclude certain diseases, such as colon cancer, Hirschsprung’s disease, hypothyroidism, etc. Self-administration of laxatives can cause a number of unpleasant side effects and addiction.

What is the prevention of constipation?

– General recommendations for the prevention of constipation are simple:

• drink 1,5-2 liters of water in small portions throughout the day;

• include in the diet more fiber (raw vegetables and fruits, cereal cereals, whole grain bread);

• additional intake of dietary fiber in the form of dietary supplements;

• more physical activity. Do gymnastics, walking, swimming. Walk outdoors more.

Sources of:

  1. Clinical guidelines. Constipation. V.T. Ivashkin, I.V. Maev, A. A. Sheptulin // Clinical guidelines of the Russian Gastroenterological Association for the diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with chronic constipation. https://www.gastro-j.ru/jour/article/view/523
  2. Vidal. Reference book of medicines. Vegaprat. https://www.vidal.ru/drugs/vegaprat__45098
  3. Vidal. Reference book of medicines. Weak. https://www.vidal.ru/drugs/slabilen__42770
  4. Vidal. Reference book of medicines. Senade. https://www.vidal.ru/drugs/senade__18738

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