Question 1

have chronic constipation will go 7-9 days or until i take laxative, but i do take opiates daily, how could u tell withmeds, if ibs , momhad spatstic co?

Accepted Answer

Not IBS: The problem is due to the pain medication.  You need to increase your water intake and take a stool softener daily.  64 oz of water may not be enough for you.  Usually a good stool softener like senekot-s is a good start or colace (docusate sodium) taken regularly.  Exercise such as walking is good.  Also increase your intake of fiber by eating oatmeal.

Question 2

which laxative is best for constipation in the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Constipation: Best initial therapy is fiber, (metamucil, konsyl, citrucel, benefiber), drinking more water (at least 1 liter per day) and exercise.
If this does not work, see a physician.

Question 3

what is the best thing to take for cronic constipation other than laxatives?

Accepted Answer

Other approach: One of the best programs for bowel rehab focuses less on intake and more on schedule. Stool that spends too much time in the large intestine tends to dry & bulk up. Some people have developed a slow emptying  pattern that perpetuated the process. I find that those who plan scheduled evacuations, several times a day, regardless of urges, can improve the rhythm & effectiveness. Takes ~ 6mo but helps.

Question 4

what laxative is best for constipation? something that would not affect someone if they have colitis?

Accepted Answer

: Miralax has been the number one recommended laxative by physicians for over 10 years. Mist physicians and gastroenterologists discourage chronic use of laxatives and instead recommend good fluid intake, eating of fiber with veggies,fruits and or fiber supplements like metamucil on a daily basis. Regular exercise is also helpful in having regular BM,' s.

Question 5

constipation on sertraline (4yrs) what is best laxative to take to elevate please?

Accepted Answer

Miralax (polyethylene glycol): However, a thorough GI work up is indicated to rule out other causes of constipation, including other medications and over the counter preparations, especially antihistamines which can be very constipating and are present in many over the counter sleeping aids. In my experience i can't recall any patients with chronic constipation from sertraline. Irritable bowel, constipating type comes to mind.

Question 6

very good evening doctors. what is the best (gentlest) laxative for intermittent constipation? should i start with just benefiber or metamucil or benefiber or metamucil and a laxative..which one do you recommend please?

Accepted Answer

Basics: Constipation occurs when stool emptying is not frequent enough or complete enough for stored stool not to dry excessively in the colon. If you increase stooling frequency it may resolve, but assistance with gentile agents like Miralax can help. Miralax granules when added to water retains it tightly for its duration in the body, softening poop.

Question 7

what is the best way to deal with faecal impaction? in terms of chronic to severe type of constipation. except laxatives.

Accepted Answer

It's complicated!: Impaction has many causes; functional, anatomic, medication or diet-induced, so get checked first. Your doc may recommend fiber, gentle laxatives, even enemas after ruling out more severe problems but a thorough exam is necessary first!

Question 8

i've seen different types of otc  laxatives (stimulant, saline, stool softeners, etc.). which would be best for occasional treatment of constipation?

Accepted Answer

If occasional: it doesn't matter much what you take, but it sounds like you have a number of GI issues.  The best way to treat constipation is to avoid it, but taking in adequate fluid and a good amount of fiber, preferably from natural sources (like fruits/vegetables with lots of roughage).  Stimulant laxatives can lead to dependency, and I generally recommend avoiding them. Occasionaf milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) is ok.

Question 9

what are best natural treatment options for constipation due to morphine?, i want to avoid taking laxatives. last bowel movement was monday.

Accepted Answer

High fiber food: Eat high fiber foods and drink plenty of water. Recommended buy Metamucil at the pharmacy since it is OTC and well tolerated than other strong laxatives . Metamucil is a fiber supplement you can buy as powder form and mix with water. If you do not wish to take Metamucil, you can always try keeping hydrated and exercise. Narcotics cause constipation and a gentler laxative like Metamucil helps.

Question 10

what is the best laxative while taking norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) to help with constipation?

Accepted Answer

COLACE (docusate sodium): I recommend to my patients colace (docusate) one every 12 hours.  It's a stool softener that helps draw water into your colon to flush things along.  If that doesn't help, then two every twelve hours.  If that doesn't help, then MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) - one capful daily.  Make sure you drink plenty of water to flush things along.

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Doctor answers about:

Best laxative for opiate constipation

A member asked:

Have chronic constipation will go 7-9 days or until i take laxative, but i do take opiates daily, how could u tell withmeds, if ibs , momhad spatstic co?

A member asked:

Which laxative is best for constipation in the elderly?

A member asked:

What is the best thing to take for cronic constipation other than laxatives?

A member asked:

What laxative is best for constipation? something that would not affect someone if they have colitis?

A member asked:

Constipation on sertraline (4yrs) what is best laxative to take to elevate please?

A member asked:

Very good evening doctors. what is the best (gentlest) laxative for intermittent constipation? should i start with just benefiber or metamucil or benefiber or metamucil and a laxative..which one do you recommend please?

A member asked:

What is the best way to deal with faecal impaction? in terms of chronic to severe type of constipation. except laxatives.

A member asked:

I've seen different types of otc laxatives (stimulant, saline, stool softeners, etc.). which would be best for occasional treatment of constipation?

A member asked:

What are best natural treatment options for constipation due to morphine?, i want to avoid taking laxatives. last bowel movement was monday.

A member asked:

What is the best laxative while taking norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) to help with constipation?

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