Review Article
A Primary Care Approach to Constipation in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
| Class | Class 2 | Class 3 |
| Bulk-forming laxatives | Psyllium | 12 to 72 hours | Impaction above strictures, excessive gas | Methylcellulose | 12 to 72 hours | Polycarbophil | 24 to 48 hours |
| Surfactants | Docusate sodium | 24 to 72 hours | Contact dermatitis has been reported | Docusate calcium | 24 to 72 hours |
| Osmotic agents | Sorbitol | 24 to 48 hours | Bloating, excessive gas | Polyethylene glycol | 1 to 4 days | Nausea, bloating | Glycerin (suppository) | 15 to 60 minutes | Local site irritation at the rectum | Magnesium sulfate | 0.5 to 3 hours | Mag toxicity if used in excess, urgent defecation | Magnesium citrate | 0.5 to 3 hours | The same as above |
| Stimulants | Bisacodyl (oral) | 6 to 10 hours | Gastric irritation | Senna | 6 to 12 hours | Melanosis coli |
| Secretagogues | Lubiprostone | 24 to 48 hours | Nausea, diarrhea, and bloating | Linaclotide | 12 to 24 hours | Plecanatide | 12 to 24 hours |
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