Types of over-the-counter (OTC) preparations for constipation include:

1. Bulk-forming laxatives, for example, methylcellulose (Citrucel) and psyllium hydrophilic muc
(Metamucil)

2. Stool softeners such as Colace and Surfak

3. Lubricant laxatives such as mineral oil (liquid petrolatum)

4. Stimulant laxatives are the fastest-acting, such as include aloe, cascara (Nature's
Remedy), senna compounds (Ex-Lax, Senokot), bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Correctol), and castor o

5. Saline laxatives or enemas such as Fleet Phospho-Soda, milk of magnesia, and magnesium

6. Osmotic-type laxatives such as GoLYTELY, GlycoLax, and MiraLax

7. Suppositories such as docusate (Microenema), bisacodyl (Dulcolax Suppository), and sodiu

phosphate (Fleet Enema).