Best treatments for constipation

Understanding constipation

Constipation is a common condition, generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), it can also involve stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy, stools that are difficult or painful to pass, and a feeling that not all stool has passed. Common contributors include not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough liquids, not getting enough physical activity, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, pregnancy, getting older, travel, and certain medicines. It can also occur alongside conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, celiac disease, or disorders affecting the brain and spine, including Parkinson's disease. Clinicians assess constipation using a medical and family history, a physical exam that may include a rectal exam, and, when needed, tests such as blood or stool tests, colonoscopy, colorectal transit studies, or anorectal manometry. Management usually starts with diet, fluids, and physical activity, adding laxatives or prescription medicines when needed. This is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked

What treats constipation?

Our catalog lists 8 products that may treat constipation, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is linzess.

What is the best-rated treatment for constipation?

By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — linzess ranks highest among the products we list for constipation. Always consult a professional.

How are these treatments ranked?

By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.

What types of drugs treat constipation?

Treatments for constipation span FDA drug classes including guanylate cyclase-c agonist, osmotic laxative, chloride channel activator, serotonin-4 receptor agonist, opioid antagonist. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.

Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.