A comparatively large number of drugs and agents are available to treat constipation. This table lists some of them; see text for details on the use of prokinetic drugs. Most patients have tried a number of strategies before consulting the physician, including enemas
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Bulking agents | Natural bran |
| Ispaghula husk | |
| Sterculia | |
| Stool softeners | Castor oil |
| Docusate sodium (osmotic also) | |
| Osmotic | Magnesium salts |
| Lactulose | |
| Dioctyl (softener also) | |
| Colonic stimulants | Senna |
| Bisacodyl | |
| Rectal stimulants | Suppositories (for example, glycerin, bisacodyl) |
| Enemas (for example, phosphate, sodium based microenemas) |