What is a bowel evacuant?

A bowel evacuant is a type of medication that helps to empty the bowels. It is used to treat constipation, which is a condition in which the bowels do not move as often as they should. Bowel evacuants work by stimulating the muscles of the intestines to contract, which helps to move the stool through the intestines and out of the body.

Bowel evacuants are typically used for short-term treatment of constipation. They should not be used for more than two weeks without talking to a doctor. Bowel evacuants can cause side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

There are two main types of bowel evacuants:

* Bulk-forming laxatives: These laxatives work by adding bulk to the stool, which helps to stimulate the intestines to contract. Examples of bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), and polycarbophil (FiberCon).

* Stimulant laxatives: These laxatives work by irritating the lining of the intestines, which causes them to contract. Examples of stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl (Dulcolax), senna (Senokot), and cascara sagrada.

Bowel evacuants are available over-the-counter and by prescription. The type of bowel evacuant that is right for a person depends on the cause of their constipation and their individual needs.