When you’re experiencing constipation, your initial reaction might be to grab an over-the-counter treatment from the pharmacy aisle. But if your symptoms keep coming back and you don’t know why, it could be a chronic medical condition—and you may want to consider a daily prescription treatment.
OVER-THE-COUNTER TREATMENTS
Over-the-counter medications for occasional constipation may include:
- Laxatives (like MiraLAX®, Phillips’® Milk of Magnesia, or Dulcolax®)
- Fiber products (such as Metamucil®)
- Stool softeners (like Colace®)
These treatments may provide relief for occasional constipation, but should not be taken for longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor.
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PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
If you have more than occasional constipation, talk to a doctor about prescription options, like LINZESS.
LINZESS is a once-daily prescription treatment for adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) or Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). It helps you have more frequent and complete bowel movements and helps relieve belly pain and overall abdominal symptoms* (pain, discomfort, and bloating) associated with IBS-C.
*Abdominal symptoms were studied in combination, not individually.
