| Treatment | Mechanism of action | Recommended dosage | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soluble fibre (e.g., psyllium) | Bulking agent | 6–12 g/d | $ |
| PEG 3350 | Osmotic | 17 g/d in water | $$ |
| Lactulose | Osmotic | 15–30 mL/d | $$ |
| Stimulant laxative (e.g., bisacodyl) | Motility stimulant | 10 mg as needed | $$ |
| Prucalopride | Prokinetic | 2 mg/d | $$$ |
| Linaclotide | Guanylate cyclase C agonist | 145 μg/d for chronic constipation | $$$ |
| 290 μg/d for IBS with constipation | $$$$ |
Note: IBS = inflammatory bowel syndrome, PEG = polyethylene glycol.