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Saline Laxatives

Saline laxatives are used to treat consipation or to cleanse the colon in preparation for a colonoscopy. They work by absorbing water into the intestine, which softens the stool. This increases pressure in the intestine and makes bowel movements more frequent.

Why are saline laxatives prescribed?

  1. Constipation (100%)

Key takeaways

Saline laxatives are primarily used to treat occasional constipation. Certain medications in this class can also be used to relieve heartburn and indigestion. These medications work for constipation by drawing water into your intestines, which helps to soften stool and stimulate bowel movements. Saline laxatives come in different forms, including oral solutions and tablets, as well as rectal enemas. Examples include magnesium citrate (Citroma), magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), and saline enemas (Fleet). You can choose the form that best fits your needs.

Prices for popular Saline Laxatives medications
Viewing 3 of 3 medications
enema icon

Fleet

as low as$2
View otherStool Softener Laxatives
BISACODYL treats occasional constipation. It may also be used to clean the bowel out before a medical procedure. It works by helping the muscles in your intestines move stool. This helps produce a bowel movement. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.
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bottle-of-oral-suspension icon

milk of magnesia

as low as$4
MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE treats occasional constipation. It works by increasing the amount of water your intestine absorbs. This softens the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in your intestines to move stool. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.
See pricesMore info
bottle-of-oral-solution icon

magnesium citrate

as low as$4
MAGNESIUM CITRATE treats occasional constipation. It works by increasing the amount of water your intestine absorbs. This softens the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in your intestines to move stool. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.
See pricesMore info
Disclaimer: Popularity is based on total prescriptions for the brand and generic versions of each drug, regardless of the condition being treated. Some drugs are prescribed for multiple conditions.

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