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Compare Fibercon vs. Senexon-s

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) and docusate/senna (Senna-S) are both over-the-counter medications used to treat occasional constipation, but they work in different ways. Calcium polycarbophil is a bulk-forming laxative that keeps water in the stool, making it heavier and easier to pass. It is a synthetic fiber supplement that is less likely to cause gas and bloating compared to natural fiber supplements like Metamucil. On the other hand, docusate/senna is a combination of a stool softener (docusate) and a stimulant laxative (senna). Docusate draws water into the intestines to soften the stool, while senna stimulates the intestines to push the stool out, often working within 6-12 hours. While both medications should not be used for more than 7 days without consulting a healthcare professional, docusate/senna tends to work faster and is recommended to be taken at night for a morning bowel movement. However, it can cause stomach cramps and loose stools. Calcium polycarbophil, although gentler, can take up to 3 days to produce a bowel movement and requires a full glass of water with each dose to prevent choking.

  • Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
    Docusate/senna
  • Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
    Docusate/senna

  • Summary of Fibercon vs. Senexon-s

    Summary for Bulk-forming laxative

    Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) is an over-the-counter medication that's used to treat occasional constipation in people 12 years and older. This bulk-forming laxative is found as a generic as well as under some familiar brand names like FiberCon and Fiber-Lax. It's available as tablets and is taken by mouth up to 4 times a day. Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) doesn't cause many side effects, and it's less likely to cause gas and bloating than similar medications.

    Summary for Stool softener / Stimulant laxative

    Docusate/senna is a combination medication containing docusate and senna. The two laxatives work together to treat constipation.

  • Indications of Fibercon vs. Senexon-s

    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation
    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation

  • Pros and Cons of Fibercon vs. Senexon-s

    Pros and Const for Bulk-forming laxative
    Pros
    •Available over the counter (OTC) so you don't need a prescription from a healthcare professional
    •Causes less gas and bloating than other bulk-forming laxatives
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Doesn't work right away; can take 12 hours to 3 days to work
    •Can be a choking hazard if you don't take it with enough water
    •Not for children under 12 years old
    Pros and Const for Stool softener / Stimulant laxative
    Pros
    •Contains two medications, so there's fewer pills and can sometimes be cheaper
    •Available over-the-counter so you don't need a prescription from your provider
    •Works fast to help you have a bowel movement
    Cons
    •Should only be used short-term (less than 7 days)
    •Some people have stomach cramps
    •Can cause loose, watery stools

  • Common Side Effects of Fibercon vs. Senexon-s

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bloating
    •Gas
    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

  • Warnings of Fibercon vs. Senexon-s

    Common Side Effects for
    •Choking hazard
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Complete or partial blockage of intestines
    •Self-medication

  • Prices with our coupons for Fibercon vs. Senexon-s

    Learn more about Calcium polycarbophil
    Learn more about Docusate/senna

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