U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
New Zeland
A 60-year-old male asked:

I have had chronic lazy bowel syndrome for the past year and need to use non prescription laxatives in order to have bowel movements. any suggestions?

2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jovita Anyanwu
Dr. Jovita Anyanwuanswered
Internal Medicine 32 years experience
Chronic constipation: Increased fiber, plenty of vegetables and water and exercise will help.Small and mor frequent meals.Avoid very dry and hard foods . Gi doctor will be helpful.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Learn how we can help
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Thank
Dr. Marsha Davis
Dr. Marsha Davisanswered
Internal Medicine 30 years experience
Depends on: The laxative . Some are safe for long term use while others are harmful. You already take metamucil and a stool softener. Those are good and safe. Miralax (polyethylene glycol) is a good safe laxative you can titrate to response . Another really good one is natural calm, magnesium based(the plain flavor is horrible) but it is harder to find. It can be ordered off internet. It also is titrated to response..
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Learn how we can help
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Thank
Dr. Jovita Anyanwu
Dr. Kenny Chuu
Dr. Jovita Anyanwu and another doctor agree2 doctors agree
1 comment
Dr. Marsha Davis
Dr. Marsha Davis commented
Internal Medicine 30 years experience
Provided original answer
Titrated means start slow and advance to the dose you need, not necessarily bottle directions. Back down when needed.
Aug 30, 2013

Related questions

A 39-year-old male asked:
I have irregular bowel movements all the time. This has been going on for years. My doctors have done the usual checks and given laxatives but nothing works long-term. I think i have a tear or kink in my colon, how do i get this sorted please advise?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 21-year-old male asked:
Treating old constipation through any home remedies? Constipation as old as 2-3 years, lack of bowel movements, feeling lethargic, using laxatives.
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 21-year-old female asked:
What are some safer solutions for chronic, severe constipation (one bowel movement a week, sometimes less)? My stool is so rock-solid that it clogs the toilet every time. I know laxatives aren't good to use long-term unless absolutely necessary?
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 29-year-old male asked:
Slight tenderness in colon only during bowel movements and with gas. Been this way for a week. I have been on laxatives. I'm 29 years old. Thoughts?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 40-year-old female asked:
Upper stomach pain with nausea and bloating can't have a bowel movement with out laxatives and swelling of ankle and feet for 2 years painful to eat?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Last updated Oct 23, 2017

Found in:

Bowel›Laxative

People also asked

Why am I still having no bowel movements even after prescription laxatives?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
I have very lazy bowel movement and constipation for 7 months , dependent on laxatives. Taking Crohn's medic. for three months but didn't help? Advice
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Should my 3 year old still be having bowel movements 3 days after taking a stimulant laxative?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
It's been about a year now I've been on laxatives & lots of fiber gummies to be able to have one daily bowel movement. If I don't take one of the two I won't have a bowel movement for days. I drink plenty of water & my diet is healthy. I'm also having tro
1 doctor answer • 7 doctors weighed in
I have had constipation for 4 years, difficult to get bowel movement. Tried all laxatives. My Doctor suggested colonoscopy. Should I get it done ?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Related topics

Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
Talk to a doctor now
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.

Get the Free App for Members

Get the Free App for Doctors

HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
TermsPrivacyCookiesDMCA
Copyright 2023 HealthTap, Inc.