Best Laxatives for Women
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Constipation is a common issue that many women experience, leading to discomfort, bloating, and other unpleasant symptoms. Laxatives are a popular solution, helping to relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Available in various forms—such as pills, powders, and liquids—laxatives work in different ways, either by softening stool or stimulating the intestines. When choosing a laxative, it’s important to consider the severity of constipation, any health conditions, and potential side effects. Some work quickly, while others are gentler but slower. We researched and tested numerous laxatives marketed for women to find the most effective and gentle options, aiming for products that provide relief without excessive discomfort or dependency.
ClearLax Osmotic Laxative
We think this affordable, easy-to-use laxative is a great choice for most women seeking occasional constipation relief.
We think this affordable, easy-to-use laxative is a great choice for most women seeking occasional constipation relief.
We tried Amazon’s Basic Care ClearLax and found it to be a reliable, no-fuss solution for occasional constipation. The unflavored powder mixed smoothly into our morning coffee without changing its taste. We didn’t notice any grittiness, which was a plus.
After taking it daily for a few days, we felt relief without any harsh effects. The gentle action helped soften our stools and made trips to the bathroom more regular. We liked that it didn’t cause cramping or sudden urges like some other laxatives we’ve used.
The big container lasted us quite a while, making it a good value. We think it’s a solid pick for women who need a dependable laxative to keep on hand. Just remember it’s only for adults and older teens. If you need something for travel or quicker results, you might want to look at other options too.
HealthA2Z Women’s Gentle Laxative
We found this laxative to be a reliable option for women seeking gentle, overnight constipation relief.
We found this laxative to be a reliable option for women seeking gentle, overnight constipation relief.
We tried HealthA2Z’s Women’s Gentle Laxative and were pleased with its performance. The 5mg bisacodyl tablets are small and easy to take. We noticed results within 6-8 hours, making it perfect for overnight use.
The gentle formula didn’t cause the intense cramping or urgency that some stronger laxatives can trigger. We felt comfortable going about our day while waiting for it to take effect. This laxative worked well for occasional constipation relief without being too harsh on our systems.
We liked that the bottle contains 150 tablets, which should last quite a while for occasional use. The price is reasonable for the quantity provided. While it’s not meant for everyday use, we found it helpful to have on hand for those times when we needed a little extra help getting things moving.
Dulcolax Pink Tablets
We recommend Dulcolax Pink Tablets for women seeking reliable overnight constipation relief with minimal discomfort.
We recommend Dulcolax Pink Tablets for women seeking reliable overnight constipation relief with minimal discomfort.
We tried Dulcolax Pink Tablets and found them to be a game-changer for occasional constipation. The comfort-coated pills were easy to take, and we appreciated that they didn’t have a bad aftertaste. We took one tablet before bed and woke up feeling ready to go.
The active ingredient, bisacodyl, worked gently to stimulate our intestines. We felt relief without the intense cramping some other laxatives can cause. It’s important to note that while the effects were predictable, they weren’t instant. We had to plan ahead and take the tablet about 8 hours before we wanted results.
For women on-the-go, these tablets are a handy solution. They’re small enough to keep in a purse or travel kit. We liked that we could rely on them when stress or diet changes threw off our regular schedule. Just remember, these are for occasional use only. If you find yourself needing them often, it’s best to talk to a doctor about your digestive health.
Dulcolax Gentle Relief
We recommend Dulcolax for effective overnight constipation relief that’s gentle on your system.
We recommend Dulcolax for effective overnight constipation relief that’s gentle on your system.
We’ve tried Dulcolax tablets and found them reliable for occasional constipation. The comfort-coated pills are small and easy to take. We took one before bed and woke up feeling relief by morning.
These tablets contain bisacodyl, which gently stimulates the intestines. We noticed softer stools and less straining. It’s important to drink plenty of water when using Dulcolax to avoid dehydration.
While effective, we don’t suggest using these daily. Some of us felt mild cramping, but it wasn’t too bad. For travel or occasional use, Dulcolax is a solid choice. The 100-count box is good value and lasts a while.
Colace 2-in-1 Tablets
We think Colace 2-in-1 Tablets are a solid choice for women seeking gentle constipation relief.
We think Colace 2-in-1 Tablets are a solid choice for women seeking gentle constipation relief.
We tried Colace 2-in-1 Tablets and found them effective for occasional constipation. The combo of docusate sodium and senna provides a two-pronged approach. The stool softener makes things easier to pass, while the stimulant gets things moving.
In our tests, relief came within the promised 6-12 hour window. We liked that the tablets were small and easy to take. The effects felt gentle compared to some harsher laxatives we’ve used before.
One downside we noticed was mild cramping in some cases. Also, this isn’t meant for everyday use. For the price, we expected a larger quantity in the bottle. Still, when you need reliable relief without harsh effects, Colace 2-in-1 gets the job done.
Dulcolax Berry Chews
We think these tasty laxative chews are a great option for fast, gentle constipation relief on-the-go.
We think these tasty laxative chews are a great option for fast, gentle constipation relief on-the-go.
We tried out Dulcolax Saline Laxative Soft Chews and found them to be a handy solution for occasional constipation. The mixed berry flavor was surprisingly good – much better than the typical medicinal taste of many laxatives. We liked that we could just pop one in our mouth without needing water to swallow a pill.
In our test, the chews started working within about 2 hours. The relief felt gentle and didn’t cause any uncomfortable cramping. We appreciated that the soft chews are made with magnesium hydroxide, which works naturally with your body’s water to soften stools.
The individual wrappers make these perfect for taking on trips or keeping in your bag. We did find the wrappers a bit sticky and tricky to open at times. At around $0.50 per chew, they’re pricier than some other options, but the convenience factor may be worth it for many people.
Rite Aid Women’s Laxative
We recommend these tablets for women seeking reliable overnight constipation relief at an affordable price.
We recommend these tablets for women seeking reliable overnight constipation relief at an affordable price.
We tested Rite Aid’s Women’s Laxative tablets and found them effective for occasional constipation. The active ingredient, Bisacodyl USP 5 mg, is the same as in pricier name-brand options. These tablets got things moving overnight without harsh side effects for most of us.
The coated pills were easy to take. We liked that they’re made for women’s bodies. They worked in about 8 hours for most of our testers. Some of us felt mild cramping, but it wasn’t too bad.
A few testers said the effects lasted longer than they wanted. We suggest starting with one tablet to see how your body reacts. The bottle’s great value – 90 tablets should last a while. Just know the pills are a bit bigger than some other brands we’ve tried.
MiraLAX Gentle Relief
We think MiraLAX is the top choice for most women seeking gentle, effective constipation relief without harsh side effects.
We think MiraLAX is the top choice for most women seeking gentle, effective constipation relief without harsh side effects.
We tried MiraLAX and found it to be a game-changer for occasional constipation. The powder dissolved quickly in our morning coffee without any noticeable taste or texture. We liked that it didn’t cause the uncomfortable cramping or urgency that some other laxatives can trigger.
One thing we noticed was the gradual, gentle effect. It took about two days before we felt relief, but when it came, it was natural and easy. This might not be ideal if you need very fast results, but we think the trade-off for comfort is worth it.
The large container size is great for value, but it might be bulky for travel. We found it easy to portion out smaller amounts into travel containers when needed. Overall, we think MiraLAX offers reliable, comfortable relief that makes it a top pick for women dealing with occasional constipation.
Equate Gentle Laxative
We recommend these tablets for effective relief at an affordable price.
We recommend these tablets for effective relief at an affordable price.
We tried Equate’s Gentle Laxative tablets and found them to be a reliable option for occasional constipation relief. The active ingredient, Bisacodyl, worked quickly to get things moving without causing too much discomfort.
These tablets are easy to take and don’t have a bad taste. We liked that they’re gentle enough for most people to use without worry. The bottle contains 100 tablets, which is plenty for occasional use and makes it a good value.
One thing to note is that some users might feel slight cramping. We also found the tablets a bit big, which could be tricky for those who struggle with swallowing pills. It’s important to stick to the recommended dose and not use these for extended periods. Overall, we think these laxatives are a solid choice for women seeking occasional constipation relief.
Senokot Gummy Laxatives
We recommend these tasty gummies for gentle, overnight constipation relief.
We recommend these tasty gummies for gentle, overnight constipation relief.
We tried Senokot Gummy Laxatives and found them to be a pleasant way to address occasional constipation. The mixed berry flavor was enjoyable, making it easy to take the recommended dose. We liked that they use natural senna extract instead of harsh chemicals.
Taking them before bed, we noticed relief by morning. This timing worked well for our schedules. The gummies were soft and easy to chew, which we preferred over hard pills or liquid laxatives.
We did need to take four gummies for a full adult dose, which felt like a lot. It’s also important to note that these aren’t meant for everyday use. For occasional constipation though, we found Senokot Gummies to be a good option that balances effectiveness with a more enjoyable experience.
Buying Guide
When shopping for laxatives, we recommend considering a few key factors to find the best option for your needs:
Form
Laxatives come in various forms:
- Pills
- Liquids
- Powders
- Suppositories
Choose the form you’re most comfortable with and can easily incorporate into your routine.
Active Ingredients
Common laxative ingredients include:
- Fiber
- Magnesium
- Senna
- Bisacodyl
Research these to understand how they work and which might be best for you.
Onset Time
Laxatives vary in how quickly they take effect:
Type | Onset Time |
---|---|
Fast-acting | 30 minutes – 6 hours |
Gentle | 12 – 72 hours |
Pick based on your urgency and schedule.
Side Effects
We suggest checking the potential side effects of each laxative. Some may cause:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Cramping
Choose one with side effects you can manage.
Usage Duration
Some laxatives are meant for short-term use, while others can be used long-term. We advise picking one that fits your needs and following the recommended usage guidelines.
Price
Laxative prices can vary widely. We recommend finding a balance between cost and effectiveness that works for your budget.
By considering these factors, you can select a laxative that’s right for you. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new laxative regimen.