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Compare Fibercon vs. Ex-Lax

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

Key takeaways

Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) and senna (Senokot) 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 adds water to your stool, making it heavier and easier to pass. It usually takes 12 to 72 hours to work and is less likely to cause gas and bloating compared to natural fiber supplements, like Metamucil. On the other hand, senna is a stimulant laxative that activates the muscles in your intestines to push out stool, typically working within 6 to 12 hours. While senna works faster, it can cause stomach cramps and is not recommended for long-term use. Calcium polycarbophil is considered gentler and is also a fiber supplement, whereas senna is purely a stimulant laxative. Both medications should not be used for more than a week without consulting a healthcare professional.

  • Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
    Senna
  • Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
    Senna

  • Summary of Fibercon vs. Ex-Lax

    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 Laxative

    Senna, or also known as sennosides, is an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative medication that's used to help with occasional constipation. It can work faster than some other alternatives, like docusate (Colace), but it can also cause stomach cramps as a side effect. This medication comes as tablets and liquids that are taken by mouth once or twice a day, depending on your needs. Senna is sold under many different brand names and lower-cost generic versions.

  • Indications of Fibercon vs. Ex-Lax

    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation
    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation

  • Pros and Cons of Fibercon vs. Ex-Lax

    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 Laxative
    Pros
    •Available over the counter, so you don't need a prescription
    •Safe to use in children
    •Works faster than stool softeners, like docusate (Colace)
    Cons
    •Might cause stomach cramps or electrolyte changes
    •Not for long-term use (longer than 1 week)
    •Can use with other types of laxatives, if senna isn't working well on its own

  • Common Side Effects of Fibercon vs. Ex-Lax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bloating
    •Gas
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach cramps
    •Brown urine

  • Warnings of Fibercon vs. Ex-Lax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Choking hazard
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Electrolyte changes

  • Prices with our coupons for Fibercon vs. Ex-Lax

    Learn more about Calcium polycarbophil
    Learn more about Senna

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