Question 1

how long does it take for ex-lax to move bowels?

Accepted Answer

8 hours: Ex-lax usually takes up to 8 hours to work.  You need fiber to keep regular. Also increasing your water intake helps. High fat and processed foods can contribute to constipation.

Question 2

how long does it take to move bowels after a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Depending on your normal bowel function and the foods you consume after your test, many people resume normal bowel movements the next day.

Question 3

what can i take over-the-counter to move my bowels . regulary?

Accepted Answer

Fiber: A high fiber diet or fiber supplement is best, along with adequate hydration.  Avoid using laxatives on a regular basis.

Question 4

what can i safely take as a laxative to move my bowels... i need a movement?

Accepted Answer

Laxatives: Most of the over the counter laxatives are based upon vegetable products and are no chemicals and are all safe to take.

Question 5

10 yr old son takes 1/2 hour to move bowels each day. my uncle and brother also take a long time. is this okay or what should dr be looking for?

Accepted Answer

Bowel habits: He may have a tight sphincter which makes it harder to have a movement. Sometime dilation might help the condition. You might also try giving him more fiber in his diet like whole grain cereals and fruits and vegetables as well as less dairy products.

Question 6

in the last 3 to 4 weeks i have been really bloated and feeling full very fast when eating. i have to take mag citrate to move my bowels. what's up?

Accepted Answer

Constipation from Rx: Assuming no structural abnormalities nor inflammation of the bowel, constipation as you describe is likely due to altered GI transit by narcotics.  Adding fiber may serve predominantly to fill the colon, not improve laxation.  Use of irritant laxatives may cause "cathartic colon."  unless your narcotic requirements can drop, you may need prokinetic &amp;/or lavage agents to improve transit &amp; emptying.

Question 7

every morning, just after breakfast, i take 1500 mg of glucosamine (pills form). my habit since i was kid is to go to the bathroom (to move my bowels) 30 mins after breakfast. if i do so glucosamine is ejected from my body and is it not effective?

Accepted Answer

Not Expelled: Passage of food byproducts or supplements through the gastrointestinal tract takes approximately 4-8 hours. During this time, most of the nutrients and active components are absorbed through the stomach &amp; lining of the intestine and into the bloodstream. Only the byproducts and waste products are expelled in the BM/urine. Glucosamine taken in the morning will not be expelled 30 minutes later.

Question 8

i just moved my bowels and it was really hard coming out i saw a streak of blood. worried its colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Probably not cancer: blood streaking on a hard bm is more likely related to the local trauma of passing stool.  blood mixed inside stool is much more concerning.  I would recommend a bowel program using a high fiber diet and a diet supplement like Benifiber 3-4 times a week.  When stools are no longer hard, if you still see blood, or if there is a family history of colon cancer then you should have a colonoscopy

Question 9

do you think sulfasalazine will help with my diverculitis flare ups? it seemed to have a lot of swelling it was hard too move bowels.peristaltic stops

Accepted Answer

It may help. It: gets rid of the inflammation and swelling associated with diverticulitis. It may stop your repetitive flare-ups.

Question 10

i'm a couple days from 12 weeks prego and i can't move my bowels is it safe to take a laxative i drink plenty water but no luck ever?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Ok to try MiraLax (polyethylene glycol) or Citrucel.  Also can try pericolace.  Also plenty of fiber in diet such as whole grains, fruits and veg.  Old fashioned prunes also work well.  Check with your OB before taking anything stronger than these.  Good luck!

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What to take if you find it hard to move your bowels

A member asked:

How long does it take for ex-lax to move bowels?

A member asked:

How long does it take to move bowels after a colonoscopy?

A member asked:

What can i take over-the-counter to move my bowels . regulary?

A member asked:

What can i safely take as a laxative to move my bowels... i need a movement?

A member asked:

10 yr old son takes 1/2 hour to move bowels each day. my uncle and brother also take a long time. is this okay or what should dr be looking for?

A member asked:

In the last 3 to 4 weeks i have been really bloated and feeling full very fast when eating. i have to take mag citrate to move my bowels. what's up?

A member asked:

Every morning, just after breakfast, i take 1500 mg of glucosamine (pills form). my habit since i was kid is to go to the bathroom (to move my bowels) 30 mins after breakfast. if i do so glucosamine is ejected from my body and is it not effective?

A member asked:

I just moved my bowels and it was really hard coming out i saw a streak of blood. worried its colon cancer?

A member asked:

Do you think sulfasalazine will help with my diverculitis flare ups? it seemed to have a lot of swelling it was hard too move bowels.peristaltic stops

A member asked:

I'm a couple days from 12 weeks prego and i can't move my bowels is it safe to take a laxative i drink plenty water but no luck ever?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?