Castor oil is a natural plant oil obtained from the seed of the castor plant. The castor seed, or bean, is the source of numerous economically important products as one of the world ' s most important industrial oils, and was one of the earliest commercial products.

Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine

castor oil

Castor oil, a stimulant laxative, is a fixed oil obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis .

Source:AHFS

magnesium citrate

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Magnesium citrate also increases water in the intestines, which may induce defecation.

Source:MULTUM

methylcellulose

Methylcellulose is a bulk-forming laxative. Methylcellulose absorbs liquid in the intestines and makes a bulky, softer stool which is easier to pass.

Source:MULTUM

bulk-forming laxatives

Cellulose derivatives (methylcellulose), calcium polycarbophil, malt soup extract, and psyllium preparations are bulk-forming laxatives.

Source:AHFS

lactulose

Lactulose is a type of sugar. It is broken down in the large intestine into mild acids that draw water into the colon, which helps soften the stools.

Source:MULTUM

docusate salts

Stool softeners (emollients); anionic, surface-active agents (surfactants) that have emulsifying and wetting properties.

Source:AHFS

docusate

Docusate is a stool softener. It makes stools softer and easier to pass.

Source:MULTUM

polycarbophil

Polycarbophil is a bulk-forming laxative that increases the amount of water in your stools to help make them softer and easier to pass.

Source:MULTUM

sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate

Sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate are forms of phosphorus, which is a naturally occurring substance that is important in every cell in the body.

Source:MULTUM

bisacodyl

Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. It causes muscles in the colon to contract and stools to pass.

Source:MULTUM

polyethylene glycol 3350

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is a laxative solution that increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements.

Source:MULTUM

lactulose

A synthetic derivative of lactose; an ammonia detoxicant and laxative.

Source:AHFS

mineral oil

Lubricant laxative; complex mixture of hydrocarbons derived from crude petroleum.

Source:AHFS

lubiprostone

Bicyclic fatty acid; selectively activates intestinal ClC-2 chloride channels and increases intestinal fluid secretion.

Source:AHFS

calcium carbonate

Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and aid in their removal from the body.

Source:MULTUM

simethicone

Simethicone allows gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines to come together more easily, which allows for easier passage of gas.

Source:MULTUM

loperamide (oral)

Loperamide slows the rhythm of digestion so that the small intestines have more time to absorb fluid and nutrients from the foods you eat.

Source:MULTUM

magnesium hydroxide

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Magnesium hydroxide also reduces stomach acid, and increases water in the intestines which may induce defecation.

Source:MULTUM

Psyllium

Psyllium is a seed used for medicinal purposes taken from the common fleawort, Plantago psyllium . There are about 250 species of the genus Plantago found worldwide; they belong to the Plantaginaceae family.

Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine

Senna

Senna, Cassia angustifolia , is known by the name Egyptian senna. A member of the Leguminaceae family, senna is a shrub-like plant whose leaves and pods have been used for centuries in the East and West as a purgative.

Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine

senna

The use of senna in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Source:MULTUM

senna

Stimulant laxative; hydroxymethylanthraquinone derivative occurring naturally in plants as glycosides.

Source:AHFS

tegaserod

Partial type 4 serotonergic (5-HT 4 ) receptor agonist; modulates serotonin-sensitive GI processes.

Source:AHFS

psyllium

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative. It absorbs liquid in the intestines and makes a bulky, softer stool which is easier to pass.

Source:MULTUM

tegaserod

Tegaserod was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 30, 2007. This medication may still be used in limited emergency situations.