How to Buy Constipation Products

When you're suffering from constipation to the point you're starting to feel ill and uncomfortable, you need to buy something for relief. There are many types of products to choose from, designed to give relief from constipation. Over-the-counter constipation products are available without a prescription from your doctor and they include stool softeners, lubricants, bulk-forming laxatives, stimulant laxatives, saline laxatives and combinations of these rolled into one product.

Instructions

• 1

  Know the difference between stool softeners or non-stool softening laxatives. Laxatives make you go to the bathroom, but they may not bring you comfort. Stool softeners soften the stool so you can go easily and comfortably.

• 2

  Understand how laxatives and stool softeners work. Some laxatives bind your stool together by adding bulk. You need to drink a lot of water with these so your bowels can move the large stools out of your body.

• 3

  Use suppositories if you want to go without a lot of pain. Suppositories leave lubrication in your body which helps the stools slide out. Stool softeners make the stools soft so they can exit the body with little discomfort.

• 4

  Find out the cause of your constipation so you know which type of laxative to choose. Some prescription medications like penicillin or amoxicillin can cause constipation.

• 5

  Know the side effects of different laxatives. Make sure you know how long you should use the laxative. Some laxatives can swell in your throat and cause choking if you don't swallow them properly. Others can make you feel nauseous or give you cramps.

• 6

  Try natural remedies if you don't want to use over the counter medication. Try prunes, grapes, fiber and drink several glasses of water a day. Add fruits, vegetables and fiber to your diet.

• 7

  Get a prescription from a doctor if over the counter medication doesn't work, if you have a serious medical condition or if you are taking a medication that shouldn't be combined with laxatives.