Among the non-motor symptoms of PD are cognitive changes, constipation, sleep issues and mood disorders. A person with constipation may find it difficult. trouble breathing (generally goes away after a few hours) Most of these. diarrhea. Prior to starting the Miralax regimen, my daughter would suffer from daily stomach pain. Try to get at least 25 grams of fiber daily from your diet. Now I seem to have some diarrhea. MiraLax, an osmotic laxative, works by preventing the reabsorption of water, which causes water retention in the stool. Mix it well and Drink this homemade laxative baking soda for constipation twice a day. trouble breathing (generally goes away after a few hours) Most of these. Children 5-12, Constipation, Toddlers 2-4. osmotic laxatives. Mild side effects. Osmotic laxatives. Product Website (Available OTC) MiraLax Savings. 5 to 1. 23 Sources. Stool softeners, such as Colace (docusate), can be used if stools are hard. Muscle problems. Summary. Don’t ignore the. Therefore this systematic review aims at providing a synopsis on clinical effects and safety of available treatment options for constipation. swelling under your skin. Everyone’s stooling patterns are a little bit different. Moreover, it helps to maintain a healthy digestive system and promotes regularity. • Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is recommended as first line therapy • Goal of treatment is 1-2 soft/mushy stools (Bristol 4-6) per day depending on symptoms • See Adjunct Treatment Options (below) for more information >1 month - 6 months 6-12 months 1 year and older Prune juice 1-2 oz/day Miralax 0. A Chicago native, she holds a BA from the University of Michigan and a Certificate from The Family Institute at Northwestern University. They work differently and are used to treat different types of constipation. Reports of dysbiosis in FC (Roma classification II–III criteria) are summarized in Table 1 (4–8). Lack of regular exercise or physical movement. Staying hydrated can help you. People also take Metamucil or Citrucel to boost their fiber intake. 1, 2 Several studies have confirmed its efficacy, safety and superiority over other commonly used laxatives in children. 4-1 g/kg/daily for 2 months. Though osmotic laxatives are available as OTC products, it is important to seek the evaluation of a doctor to understand the reason behind constipation. These can include: Not consuming enough fiber and fluids. stomach pain. MiraLax (polyethylene glycol 3350) is a good substitute. If irritable bowel syndrome is the cause of your narrow stool, you might. muscle weakness. Mix 2 teaspoons of Miralax in their food or drink 1-2x/day for 2-4 weeks If the patient is doing well, stay on this dose; If there is diarrhea then decrease each dose by ¼ to ½ tspn per dose; If there is still constipation then increase each dose by ¼ to ½ tspn per doseMiralax works by way of osmosis, a term that means water movement from one membrane to another. Parkinson’s disease (a degenerative disease of the nervous system); hypothyroidism; diabetes mellitus;. One dose before bed. A smell is usually 'unique to the person'. Metamucil (psyllium fiber) is contraindicated (i. 64% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 24% reported a negative effect. The two contain different active ingredients: Metamucil contains psyllium fiber, while Citrucel contains methylcellulose fiber. You may have diarrhea, which can look stringy. Many people eat prunes, or dried plums, for their laxative effects on the. shes a picky eater but does eat all fruits (including 8-10 prunes daily) except bananas, limit dairy, lots of water and count all sugar/fat intake. Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) draws water into the intestines and is non-constipating. Risk factors that can cause fecal impaction include a high-fat diet, prolonged immobility, and. MiraLAX Powder 17. Some people go three times a day; others, three times a week. Saline enema (Fleet Enema)The Best Laxatives For Constipation. g. The ketogenic diet, more commonly called the keto diet, involves a severely restricted. Its texture can change. Usual Pediatric Dose for Bowel Preparation: Occasional constipation: Children greater than 6 months of age: 0. I had a bout of severe constipation and pain this afternoon. If laxatives don't work, ask for help. g. When Miralax is ingested, it stimulates the GI tract to retain water. What causes constipation?Miralax is a common prescription and over-the-counter drug that is used for the treatment of occasional constipation. Linzess is used to treat certain types of. The dose of castor oil used to treat constipation in adults is 15 milliliters. It happens when the stool (poop) is so hard that it cannot pass with a normal bowel movement. This is important to do because it can interact with other drugs, sometimes dangerously. Drink only clear liquids. Clozapine affects how the intestines (bowels) function in the majority of patients. an irregular heartbeat. When children suffer from constipation, many parents turn to over-the-counter laxatives like MiraLAX for relief. bloating or full feeling in your stomach. , a study author from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology at the Chinese Academy of. Specific factors are more commonly associated with chronic constipation, such as: Diet: Eating large amounts of meat, dairy products, sugary foods, and processed foods can slow down the digestive tract. Eating large amounts of dairy products. Many different hormones help to regulate the bowels. Stool Softeners. Constipation can be distressing, uncomfortable, and even painful. Another laxative that can be used for chronic constipation is lubiprostone (Amitiza), which also appears helpful for treating constipation in those with Lewy disorders; it requires a prescription. “Drinking lots of water, especially warm or hot water in the morning, can help you have a bowel movement,” encourages Dr. 49% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 32% reported a negative effect. In addition to giving you a general physical exam, your health care professional will likely do the following during your appointment: Gently press on your abdomen to check for pain, tenderness or irregular lumps. stress. Your health providers can help you determine which additional laxatives to use “as-needed,” if a person hasn’t had a bowel movement for a few days. Among the non-motor symptoms of PD are cognitive changes, constipation, sleep issues and mood disorders. Sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage for ≥25% of defecations. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for MiraLAX Laxative Powder for Gentle Constipation Relief, #1 Dr. This results in difficult, painful, and infrequent bowel movements. But when you have constipation, the best laxative is the gentlest and safest option, like a bulk-forming laxative. It helps constipation and, taken regularly, may have other benefits, such as lowering blood sugar and cholesterol. g. diarrhea with dizziness or a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out). Constipation and the Gut in Parkinson's. nausea. Everyone is different. Consuming more fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of water, can help prevent constipation in people with Parkinson's disease. m. Rasagiline. There is general consensus that. Surveys show that between 20% and 40% of. Expensive. It is one of the problems associated with PD. The maximum dose that’s recommended is 145 mcg. MiraLAX usually produces a bowel movement in 1 to 3 days. John. One 8. Six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily are recommended. Free shipping, arrives in 3+ days. It contains a natural plant fiber called psyllium husk and, in addition to the powdered form, comes as cookies, tablets and gummies. In industrialized nations, people are overwhelmingly deficient in magnesium. Other common OTC products in this group include Citrucel, Metamucil, and Colace. Examples of osmotic laxatives include: Polyethylene glycol or PEG (Miralax, Glycolax) Magnesium citrate (Citroma) Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) Sorbitol. changes in your routine. Patients should be referred to a physician in the following situations (among others): 1) the patient has a serious underlying medical condition (e. Key takeaways: Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) is a laxative that helps relieve constipation. Constipation and Parkinson’s Disease Medications for Constipation When diet and lifestyle changes are not sufficient to treat constipation, there are many. It is available in a lower-cost generic form. Diarrhea and constipation occur when conditions occur that affect this final step of defection. Start by taking 2 tablets at bedtime, if you do not have a comfortable bowel movement (BM) the next day, take 4 tablets the next night. Recent Australasian epidemiological studies of constipation report prevalences of 6–30%. More importantly, fewer fatty meals and more fiber intake would go a long way in moving things along. One of the effects Parkinson’s has on the autonomic nervous system seems to be the slowing of food through the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in constipation (fewer than three bowel movements per week). Pooping between three times a day and three times a week is normal. The following fruit juices contain fiber, sorbitol, and water, and they can help relieve constipation. It works naturally with the water in your body to unblock your system without harsh side effects. In this study, the constipation group had lower MMSE scores (p < 0. Post-Doctoral Degree. Osmotic laxatives draw water into the stool to help it move through the colon quicker. Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) affects the nerves of the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract and may result in profound gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction leading to poor patient outcomes. g. There’s not a known interaction between Linzess and alcohol. Constipation often increases as Parkinson’s progresses; Constipation is a direct symptom of Parkinson’s because of damage that is caused to the nerves that line the gut. Some people claim that consuming baking soda helps ease constipation by pulling water into your digestive tract and promoting muscle contractions. Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) affects the nerves of the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract and may result in profound gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction leading to poor patient outcomes. Miralax works by causing the stool to retain water, thus softening it. However, MiraLAX is less likely to. If you suspect your cat is constipated, it is vital to look into the underlying cause. Stress, depression or. It may involve medications, laxatives, and lifestyle changes. The. Sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage for ≥25% of defecations. If you're taking aloe and your constipation lasts longer than a week, talk to your doctor or try a different remedy. 0 L of fluid daily was more effective for constipation relief than fiber intake alone in patients with functional chronic constipation. There are three types of laxatives that take longer (12 hours to 3 days) to work. Parkinson’s disease. It is also gluten-free, sugar-free, and preservative-free, making it a safe choice for a wide range of people. holding in a bowel movement. Endocrine dysfunction An endocrine disorder is when there’s an issue with one or more of your hormones. Soluble fiber absorbs moisture, which makes stools softer and easier to pass. itching. 41,771 satisfied customers. For chronic use, bulk laxatives (fiber) and polyethylene glycol 3350 (“PEG,” e. 05). Then, mix it into a full. IBS-M is one of three subtypes of IBS where constipation and diarrhea frequently alternate, sometimes over a period of hours or days. 2. Miralax (PEG 3350) is generally considered safe and effective to treat constipation but adverse side effects in children have been reported. Miralax works by causing the stool to retain water, thus softening it. ), exercise regularly at a slow, steady pace, as directed by md if you are able. * See the “ MiraLAX: How to take ” section below for information on preparing the liquid solution. Parkinson’s disease, dementia linked to. The more time. Lifestyle Factors. . As the disease progresses, all of these GI. Stimulate laxatives or enemas were used in children whose rectums remained enlarged after initial bowel clean out. 100 – 110 pounds. Laxatives can help relieve and prevent constipation. Of the total drug interactions, 214 are moderate, and 1 is minor. Miralax (PEG 3350) is generally considered safe and effective to treat constipation but adverse side effects in children have been reported. Lowering medications that may have anticholinergic side effects may be necessary. Another option that works for some people is diet candies containing the. But if you have constipation, there’s a shift in what’s normal for you. A child will not become dependent on Miralax by using it. MiraLAX powder can be mixed into any hot or cold beverage without affecting the taste or texture. If stool softeners aren't providing enough help, the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version) is good next step. Constipation can vary from mild and bothersome to severe and very troubling. MiraLAX has an average rating of 7. Some nonprescription products carry labels warning against use if the patient has problems in swallowing food. It is an over-the-counter medicine that works by softening the stool by holding water in the colon (a part of the large intestine) and increasing the peristaltic bowel movements to facilitate easy. You are certainly doing all of the right things (water, high fiber, exercise) you might add to this stool softeners such as Colace as well as Miralax. Lack of exercise, poor fluid intake, dietary fiber, medications, and medical conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and hypothyroidism can all contribute to constipation. These beneficial effects are due to their high content of fiber, phenolic compounds and sorbitol. other medications, such as iron. Sensation of incomplete evacuation for ≥25% of defecations. Some, such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax), pull water into the colon to ease constipation. gas and bloating. Cupcakes – Add possible constipation to the many reasons a. 91 ounces (2. at some point in their course. Domperidone is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain. If stool softeners aren't providing enough help, the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version) is good next step. Another newer theory is an imbalance of the colon microbiome. Depending on the cause and how someone chooses to treat it, constipation can last for a number of days or weeks. Gently tap or shake the cap in order to level out the powder and make sure it’s at the 17-gram line. The poor ratings were generally due to cramping and diarrhea, not the taste. 1 The estimated prevalence of constipation varies from 2 2 to 28 percent, 3 and the. 3. What Is IBS With Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea? One condition for which constipation and diarrhea are characteristic is mixed-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-M). A feeling that not all stool has passed. Magnesium is also recommended for Parkies with constipation, because it also helps treat magnesium deficiency, which can cause restless legs and fidgeting. I blend until smooth and eat 1/4 cup ever morning with a banana. Stimulate laxatives or enemas were used in children whose rectums remained enlarged after initial bowel clean out. stress. Oatmeal. Miralax Dose Mix with Clear Liquid Polyethylene glycol (Miralax, Glycolax or PEG) 1 Capful = 17 grams. 3- Drugs. dizziness. Over the years we have noticed that Parkinson’s disease patients commonly present with constipation. peripheral nervous systems such as autism, dementia, depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and similar others [3]. Metamucil (psyllium fiber) is contraindicated (i. Bulk laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil) and. Parkinson’s disease (PD) has both motor and non-motor symptoms. More lasting, or chronic, constipation can lead to health complications, such as: hemorrhoids; rectal bleeding; anal fissures; bowel obstructionGulp! my 5 year old has been on Miralax as prescribed by her ped GI for almost 2 years. It works naturally with the water in your body to unblock your system without harsh side effects. We always recommend as much daily vigorous exercise as is. Miralax), which pulls water into the stool . Some dietary and daily habits can cause constipation, such as a sedentary lifestyle and eating a low-fiber. Dosing: 1 gram/kilogram/day capful Max Daily Dose: 34 grams You can increase or decrease the dose as needed to achieve mashed potato consistency stools. straining during at least 25% of bowel movements. 5 g/kg daily (initial dose 0. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of Miralax for dogs and how to administer it correctly. other drugs MiraLAX and alcohol Interactions Common questions. 1. Dulcolax is used to treat constipation or to empty the bowels before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or other intestinal medical procedure. However, drinking alcohol may cause constipation or diarrhea. or Bayer Patient. The fats in olive oil help ease constipation in two ways: by lining the inside of the bowel, making stools easier to pass. Fiber creates bulky feces and stretches the bowel wall to stimulate peristalsis, thus shortening bowel transit time. Take a fiber supplement. Constipation of varying degrees is common, however most people are not as bad as your recent experience, needing to go to ER. MiraLAX is used to treat occasional. 5% in patients with Parkinson’s disease . Zoppi et al. 90 oz (Pack of 2) 59. adults and children 17 years of age and older: use once a day. Infrequent passage of stool- fewer than three bowel movements per week. Drug interactions are reported among 74 people who take Psyllium husk and Miralax. Possible side effects include: cramping. May also cause increased sweating. holding in a bowel movement. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is a product used to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements. Travel or another change in routine. is now refusing to take the prune juice, then you should begin Miralax powder with a starting dose of ¼ capful up to a typical maximum dose of ½ capful per day. Domperidone is also used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by other drugs used to treat Parkinson's Disease. Drink plenty of fluids. Sometimes I take a dose once a day for 5 days and have no result at all. Medically Reviewed. If you experience constipation often, you should see your healthcare provider and find out what may be causing the problem. Osmotic laxatives, like MiraLAX, make stools soft by keeping water in the colon, while stimulant laxatives cause the intestine walls to contract which leads. PEG is a well-established treatment of constipation in children. That’ll help herd it comfortably through your digestive system. Chronic constipation is defined by Rome III criteria2: Presence of 2 or more of the following symptoms: Straining during ≥25% of defecations. Kids don’t mind it as much as other laxatives, because it is mostly tasteless and doesn’t cause cramping. Typical side effects from using magnesium. Belching, diarrhea, cramping, nausea, changes in urine color. Miralax contains polyethylene glycol 3350, an osmotic laxative. Warm the water over a low flame. Vanessa Nunes/iStock. mild allergic reaction †. Osmotic laxatives are available as liquids, suppositories, and powders that you mix into a beverage. 3. As a result, it makes the stool softer and easier to pass and increases the number of bowel movements. MiraLAX dosage for constipation. Decrease in Gut Motility. Beans, especially black beans – add to burgers, rice, or soup. I cut all magnesium supplements and coffee in the am. A number of factors — including a poor diet, low fluid. Screen for warning signs of malignancy or IBD: bleeding, weight loss, change in stool caliber, new constipation, fevers, anorexia, family history of colon cancer or IBD. High Fiber Bread. Miralax typically works within 1 to 3 days. k. The recommended dosage of MiraLAX for constipation is: Dose: 17 g, which is for dissolving in liquid*. 31%) have parkinson's disease. 8 out of 10 from a total of 8 reviews for the treatment of Constipation. The majority of those with PD experience two kinds of constipation. By the Davis Phinney Foundation, September 21, 2021. Give 1 ½ capfuls, 3 times each day for 2 days. D. 1. I’ve had severe constipation as well. Infrequent bowel movements are a common cause of hard stools. Straining or pain when passing stools. If you take more than the recommended dose, it tends to work much better, but also can cause nausea and cramping. Stool softeners are considered safe during. Colace and MiraLax drugs are available in varying brand names and generic formulations. Mild side effects* of MiraLAX may include: diarrhea or stools that are watery, loose, or more frequent than usual. 3. See what others have said about Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350), including the effectiveness, ease of use and side effects. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A lack of exercise or eating the wrong foods can disrupt how your digestive process works. Miralax comes as a powder that you mix with drinks like water or juice before drinking. Symptoms pretty much the same. Too much fiber without adequate water intake can also cause or worsen constipation. (Metamucil) and pull water into the gut (Miralax, Milk of Magnesia). Many different hormones help to regulate the bowels. Recent criteria define constipation as at least 2 of the following symptoms in the last 90 days: Metamucil and Miralax are over-the-counter medications used to relieve constipation. But, in 2017, some families. 5 g/kg; titrate to effect)MiraLAX has an average rating of 7. Pour the fine, white powder into the cap until it fills the white section of the cap’s underside. 29. MiraLAX® is the #1 doctor-recommended brand for effective relief of occasional constipation. If Miralax doesn’t work after a week or so, contact your healthcare provider. Prunelax. Follow these steps: ①. Once the MiraLAX is dissolved, you can put the mixture in the refrigerator. Miralax typically works within 1 to 3 days. Learn about dosage, side effects, uses, and more. In March 2022, the Parkinson’s Community Los Angeles hosted a webinar on common gastrointestinal (GI) issues in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and treatment options with gastroenterologist Dr. Different types of treatment are used when treating. A: It can be, but most often is not. MiraLax and constipation. Texture and looks are pretty rough but doesn’t taste bad. • Osmotic Laxatives (miralax, magnesium supplements (magnesium citrate, milk of magnesia), lactulose (enulose) In our practice, for the treatment of chronic constipation, we use primarily the lubricantsDiet. Shah also offered these tips for hospitalists to treat patients with constipation: Maximize one therapeutic regimen at a time. Among the non-motor symptoms of PD are cognitive changes, constipation, sleep issues and mood disorders. One tablespoon. The impact on your intestines can make it harder for them to move stool out of the body. Other contributing factors include drinking too little water or having an inactive lifestyle. Lifestyle habits can contribute to poop getting stuck halfway out. (NOT RED). If you suspect your cat is constipated, it is vital to look into the underlying cause. dizziness. • COVID-19 testing is required within three days of your procedure. Constipation is the prototype of functional gastrointestinal disorders and one of the most prevalent conditions encountered in daily clinical practice []. Constipation treatments for people with Crohn’s disease include making dietary. Most times, mild side effects of a drug go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Common Linzess side effects may include: diarrhea; stomach pain; gas; or. Learn about its side effects, cost, and more. Constipation can significantly decrease quality of life, causing abdominal discomfort, a loss of appetite, bloating, and, if not corrected, can even lead to serious Drinking 2 Yakults / day also will work for me. Water increases flow through the digestive tract. It was approved in 2018 to treat chronic constipation as well as gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying. We always recommend as much daily vigorous exercise as is possible, and drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. on August 2, 2023. Pour the fine, white powder into the cap until it fills the white section of the cap’s underside. A 1987 study in the journal Neurology, “Akathisia in idiopathic. 5 million physician office visits annually. Constipation also occurs when your poop appears hard, dry and pebble-like, or if you experience straining, incomplete evacuation or difficulty passing stool. 64% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 24% reported a negative effect. 1 out of 10 from a total of 253 ratings on Drugs. Lumpy or hard stools in ≥25% of defecations. MiraLax: Gentle and well-tolerated by people with Parkinson's. • Measure a capful of MiraLAX in 8 ounces of liquid, half of a capful in 4 ounces, or a teaspoon of MiraLAX in 2 ounces. He has been taking a fiber supplement, Ducolax and dring alot of water. Constipation is more common than you may think Signs that you may have constipation • Fewer-than-normal bowel movements, usually less than 3 bowel movements a week • Difficult or hard-to-pass stool • Separate or lumpy stool (see chart below for more details) 80% of people will suffer from constipation experience constipation atFiber-Rich Diet: Diet is a factor in constipation because eating enough of the right kinds of fiber and drinking enough water can help get the bowel moving and keep stools soft and easily passed. Constipation is a frequent and known side effect of clozapine, but serious and fatal events continue to be reported. 19 Constipation Myths and Facts. “It would be an emergency if you hadn’t had a bowel movement for a prolonged time, and you’re also experiencing major bloating or severe abdominal pain. cardiac arrest. Miralax, a polyethylene glycol laxative, is available over-the-counter and in generic form. Colace is used to treat and prevent constipation caused by hard stools. Search the Healthwise Knowledgebase . Colace is used to treat and prevent constipation caused by hard stools. The maximum dose of Miralax per day for severe constipation is 34 grams once daily. Examples of osmotic laxatives include: Polyethylene glycol or PEG (Miralax, Glycolax) Magnesium citrate (Citroma) Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) Sorbitol. Miralax is safe for dogs and can be used to treat occasional constipation. A total of 215 drugs are known to interact with MiraLAX. See what others have said about Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350), including the effectiveness, ease of use and side effects. do not take more than directed unless advised by your doctor. Some children who have been constipated for a long time begin to have accidents, soiling, and poop stains in the underwear. The need to use a finger to pass stool. Constipation may be caused by certain health conditions like Parkinson’s disease,. Stool history: frequency. Buy your bowel preparation at least five days before your colonoscopy. Many different hormones help to regulate the bowels. He has no family history of the disease. Symptoms. Metamucil is a bulk-forming laxative that contains psyllium, a soluble fiber. It’s better to try these if your constipation is severe and other drugs haven't worked. Hi, my husband is having a problem with constipation because of pain meds prescribed for kidney stones. MiraLAX is a polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350) laxative powder made for providing gentle constipation relief. 100% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 0% reported a negative experience. Constipation. • If you have constipation or do not have a daily bowel movement, please call the endoscopy nurse at 617-525-6814. It is a situation that most people experience on occasion and is not pleasant. Introduction. You can use the scale to check for the need and the response to MiraLAX laxative. Medically Reviewed Consuming more fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of water, can help prevent constipation in people with Parkinson's disease. Schedule a time each day to have a bowel movement. Purchase: Four Dulcolax® laxative tablets containing 5mg of bisacodyl each (NOT Dulcolax stool softener). Constipation can significantly decrease quality of life, causing abdominal discomfort, a loss of appetite, bloating, and, if not corrected, can even lead to serious Background Constipation is one of the most common non-motor symptoms in PD patients, and the constipation, can appear before motor symptoms. Overnight Relief. So having too much or too little of a hormone can lead to constipation. twitching, twisting, or other unusual body movements. changes in your routine. Miralax works better than Colace for constipation caused by medications. Fiber-Rich Diet: Diet is a factor in constipation because eating enough of the right kinds of fiber and drinking enough water can help get the bowel moving and keep stools soft and easily passed.