Stimulant laxatives: These are fast-acting laxatives that can stimulate the intestines into having a bowel movement.Bulk-forming laxatives: Often derived from plants, these laxatives help form a watery gel in the intestines that adds both body and lubrication to the stool.Osmotic laxatives: These draw water into the intestines from the surrounding tissues.Although some other laxatives also soften the stool, they have different methods of action.
Stool softeners are a type of laxative, but not all laxatives are stool softeners. Doctors may recommend different types of laxative depending on the cause of constipation or side effects of the medications. There are many types of laxatives, because there are many different causes of constipation. Stool softeners are also called emollient laxatives. Stool softeners are a type of laxative that works to gently lubricate the stool by adding a compound to it that absorbs water. A laxative is any medicine or supplement that helps the body have a bowel movement.Įach laxative works differently, and a doctor may suggest them as a first-line treatment alongside dietary and lifestyle advice to help relieve constipation. The term “laxative” refers to a wide range of substances, including stool softeners.
Share on Pinterest Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
