Best Laxatives
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Laxatives are widely used over-the-counter medications designed to relieve constipation by softening stool, increasing bowel movements, or both. When diet and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, many people turn to laxatives for help. There are several types available, including bulk-forming agents, stool softeners, stimulants, and osmotic laxatives, each working differently—some add bulk to stool, others draw water into the intestines, or stimulate bowel contractions. When choosing a laxative, consider how quickly you need relief, potential side effects, and your overall health. Some laxatives work within hours, while others may take days to be effective. We researched and tested various laxatives to find the most effective and gentle options for different needs.
Dulcolax Laxative Tablets
We think these tablets are a solid choice for most people seeking reliable overnight constipation relief.
We think these tablets are a solid choice for most people seeking reliable overnight constipation relief.
We tried Dulcolax laxative tablets and found them to be fast-acting and effective. Taking one tablet before bed helped us wake up feeling lighter and more regular. The comfort coating made the pills easy to swallow.
These tablets contain bisacodyl, which gently stimulates the intestines. We noticed softer stools and less straining when using the bathroom. The overnight relief was helpful, letting us start our day feeling refreshed.
For travel, we liked having these tablets on hand. They’re small and portable, fitting easily in a toiletry bag. While they worked well, we did feel some mild cramping. Drinking extra water helped reduce this side effect. We wouldn’t use these daily, but for occasional constipation, Dulcolax provided dependable relief.
MiraLAX Gentle Relief
We think MiraLAX is the top choice for most people looking for gentle, effective constipation relief without harsh side effects.
We think MiraLAX is the top choice for most people looking for gentle, effective constipation relief without harsh side effects.
We’ve tried many laxatives, and MiraLAX stands out for its gentle yet effective approach. It doesn’t cause the cramping or sudden urgency that other products might. We mixed it into our morning coffee and didn’t notice any change in taste or texture.
The powder dissolved quickly and completely. We felt results within a day, but it can take up to three days for some people. Our experience was comfortable – no bloating or gas like we’ve had with other laxatives.
MiraLAX’s large size is great for value, but it might be too big if you’re trying it for the first time. We like that it’s free from gluten, sugar, and preservatives. It’s become a staple in our medicine cabinet for those times when we need a little help getting things moving.
Ex-Lax Maximum Strength
We think Ex-Lax Maximum Strength is a reliable choice for those seeking fast, effective relief from occasional constipation.
We think Ex-Lax Maximum Strength is a reliable choice for those seeking fast, effective relief from occasional constipation.
We’ve tried Ex-Lax Maximum Strength, and it’s clear why it’s a popular option. The tablets are small and easy to swallow, which is a plus when you’re not feeling your best. We found they worked pretty fast, usually producing results by morning when taken before bed.
One thing to keep in mind is that these pills can be strong. We suggest starting with a lower dose to see how your body reacts. Some of us felt a bit of cramping, but it wasn’t too bad compared to the relief we got.
We like that Ex-Lax is made in the USA and has been around for ages. It’s a brand many of us grew up seeing in our medicine cabinets. The 48-count box is handy for keeping on hand, but remember this is for occasional use only. If you need something more often, it’s best to talk to a doctor.
ClearLax Powder
We recommend this affordable and effective laxative powder for occasional constipation relief.
We recommend this affordable and effective laxative powder for occasional constipation relief.
We tried Amazon’s ClearLax powder and found it works just as well as pricier brands. It mixes smoothly into water or juice with no gritty texture. We didn’t notice any taste, which is good for picky drinkers.
The powder started working within a day or two. It made bathroom trips easier without causing cramps or urgency. We like that it’s gentle enough for daily use if needed.
ClearLax comes in a big container that lasts a while. This makes it a better buy than small packs of other laxatives. The flip-top lid is easy to open and close. Just be careful not to spill the fine powder.
Colace 2-in-1 Tablets
We recommend Colace 2-in-1 Tablets for gentle and effective constipation relief within 6-12 hours.
We recommend Colace 2-in-1 Tablets for gentle and effective constipation relief within 6-12 hours.
We tried Colace 2-in-1 Tablets and found them to be a good option for mild constipation. The tablets are easy to swallow and don’t have a bad taste. We liked that they contain both a stool softener and a laxative, which helped make our bowel movements easier.
In our test, we noticed results within about 8 hours. The relief was gentle and didn’t cause any sudden urgency. We didn’t feel any harsh side effects, which is a big plus. Some of us needed to take two tablets instead of one for better results.
These tablets are handy to keep in your medicine cabinet or take on trips. They’re not too strong, so they’re good for occasional use. If you have severe constipation, you might need something stronger. We think Colace 2-in-1 Tablets are a solid choice for most people dealing with mild constipation.
Timely Bisacodyl Tablets
We recommend these affordable and effective laxative tablets for reliable constipation relief.
We recommend these affordable and effective laxative tablets for reliable constipation relief.
We tried Timely Bisacodyl tablets and found them to be a solid choice for occasional constipation relief. The active ingredient, bisacodyl, is the same as in name-brand options but at a much lower price point.
Taking one or two tablets before bed gave us relief by morning in most cases. The effects were gentle enough that we didn’t feel rushed to the bathroom, but still effective.
One thing to note – these tablets can cause some stomach rumbling. It’s best to take them when you’ll be home and near a bathroom. We liked that the 100-tablet bottle lasted quite a while, making it a budget-friendly option for those who need occasional laxative use.
Dulcolax Berry Chews
We recommend these tasty mixed berry chews for fast, gentle constipation relief without cramps.
We recommend these tasty mixed berry chews for fast, gentle constipation relief without cramps.
We tried Dulcolax Saline Laxative Soft Chews and found them to be a tasty, effective option for occasional constipation relief. The mixed berry flavor is pleasant, making them easy to take. They’re much more enjoyable than swallowing pills or mixing powders.
These chews start working fast. We felt relief in about 2 hours, but it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours. The magnesium hydroxide works gently with your body’s water, so make sure to stay hydrated. We didn’t experience any cramping or urgency.
The individually-wrapped chews are perfect for on-the-go use. We kept a few in our bags for travel or unexpected needs. While they’re pricier than some laxatives, we think the taste and convenience are worth it for many people.
Senokot Extra Strength
We recommend Senokot Extra Strength for effective overnight relief from occasional constipation.
We recommend Senokot Extra Strength for effective overnight relief from occasional constipation.
We’ve tried Senokot Extra Strength, and it’s become our go-to for those nights when we need a little help. The small tablets are a breeze to swallow, which is a big plus when you’re already feeling uncomfortable.
One thing we really like is the natural vegetable-based ingredient. It’s nice to know we’re not putting harsh chemicals into our bodies. The gentle action works overnight, so we wake up feeling much better.
We did notice that sometimes one dose isn’t quite enough. A few of us needed to take it for a couple of nights to get things moving. While it’s not meant for everyday use, it’s a reliable option when we need it most. The price is a bit higher than some other laxatives, but we think the gentle, effective relief is worth it.
MiraLAX Gentle Laxative
We recommend MiraLAX for those seeking a gentle, effective laxative without harsh side effects.
We recommend MiraLAX for those seeking a gentle, effective laxative without harsh side effects.
We’ve used MiraLAX and found it to be a reliable solution for occasional constipation. The powder dissolves quickly in any beverage, hot or cold. We mixed it into our morning coffee and couldn’t taste a thing. This made it easy to take daily without any fuss.
Unlike some harsh laxatives, MiraLAX didn’t cause us any cramping or sudden urgency. It worked gently over a couple of days, which was perfect for our needs. We felt relief without any discomfort or embarrassing situations.
One thing to note is that MiraLAX isn’t an instant fix. If you need quick relief, this might not be the best choice. But for regular use to keep things moving, we found it very helpful. The included stirrer was a nice touch, making it simple to mix on-the-go. Overall, MiraLAX proved to be a trustworthy ally in our digestive health routine.
HealthA2Z Gentle Laxative
We recommend this laxative for its reliable overnight relief and excellent value.
We recommend this laxative for its reliable overnight relief and excellent value.
We’ve tried many laxatives, and HealthA2Z’s bisacodyl tablets stand out. These little pills pack a punch. We took one before bed and woke up ready to go. The overnight relief was a game-changer for our morning routine.
The active ingredient, bisacodyl, is a trusted stimulant laxative. It got things moving without the harsh effects of some other products we’ve used. We liked that it was gentle enough for occasional use but still effective.
One thing to note: start with just one tablet. We made the mistake of taking two our first time, and boy, was that an adventure! The effects were a bit too strong. Stick to the recommended dose, and you should be fine.
At 250 tablets per bottle, this laxative is a great value. We found it worked just as well as pricier name-brands. For folks dealing with ongoing constipation, this could be a wallet-friendly option to keep on hand.
Buying Guide
When shopping for laxatives, we recommend considering a few key factors. Safety should be your top priority. Look for products approved by regulatory agencies like the FDA.
Effectiveness is also crucial. Different types of laxatives work in various ways, so pick one that matches your needs. Some options include:
- Bulk-forming laxatives
- Osmotic laxatives
- Stimulant laxatives
Consider the form of the laxative too. They come as:
- Pills/capsules
- Powders
- Liquids
- Suppositories
We suggest checking the dosage instructions carefully. Start with the lowest dose and increase if needed.
Side effects matter as well. Common ones may include:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Cramping
It’s wise to consult a doctor before using laxatives, especially if you have other health conditions or take medications.
Price is another factor to weigh. Compare costs across brands, but don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price.
Natural vs. synthetic ingredients is something else to think about. Some prefer plant-based options, while others opt for synthetic formulas.
Onset time varies between products. Fast-acting laxatives work within hours, while others may take days. Choose based on your urgency.
Lastly, we advise reading user reviews. They can offer real-world insights into a product’s effectiveness and side effects.