Stomach and bowels

Laxatives and stool softeners

Used for

Constipation

How it works

Osmotic laxatives pull water into the bowel; stimulant laxatives make the bowel muscles push; stool softeners let water into the stool.

Examples
  • polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX), osmotic
  • senna (Senokot), stimulant
  • docusate (Colace), stool softener

More in stomach and bowels

See every class

A study and reference aid. Follow the product labeling and your pharmacist for anything about a patient's medicine.

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Drug classes are a big part of the Medications domain. Gutta's lessons and practice questions cover them, with an explanation for every answer.

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