Bowel cleansing drugs, also known as laxatives, cleanse the rectum and colon before diagnostic examinations and operations, in cases of constipation and before intimate activity involving the anus and rectum.
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is an oral, saline-based, liquid laxative that relieves constipation and cleanses the bowel by adding moisture to the stool. It works within three hours after administration. Failure to have a bowel movement after using magnesium citrate may indicate a more serious medical condition. Consult your doctor before using stronger laxatives if magnesium citrate doesn't work.
Enemas
Enemas are rectally administered solutions of tap water, coffee, table salt, soapsuds and/or Epsom salts. They may be prepackaged or made at home and administered with an enema bag or an enema bulb, or from a disposable bottle containing prepackaged solution.
Bisacodyl
Bisacodyl is used rectally, in the form of a suppository, or taken orally in tablet form. It causes the muscles in the digestive tract to contract and draw hardened, compacted feces from the colon and into the rectum. Bisacodyl taken orally produces a bowel movement within eight hours, while bisacodyl taken rectally works within one hour to relieve constipation. Bisacodyl may cause cramping and repetitive bowel movements.
Milk of Magnesia
Milk of magnesia is a gentle laxative that works overnight to decrease the amount of gas in the intestines and attract water to hydrate stools that are hard to pass. It is gentle on the system with minimal cramping, Milk of magnesia is often used to relieve constipation in the elderly and in people who have undergone surgery and must have a bowel movement before being released from the hospital.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts can be used orally by dissolving in hot water or rectally in an enema to dissolve buildup of compacted fecal matter. For oral use, take 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts dissolved in a glass of warm water. Epsom salts taken orally produce a bowel movement within eight hours. As an enema, use 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts in 2 quarts of water via an enema bag. Epsom salts taken rectally produce a bowel movement within minutes.
