What should a patient with chronic constipation do if he or she is not getting better despite lifestyle adjustments? This is the time to consider medication. There are two main types of medications used to treat constipation: stimulant laxatives and laxatives. We do not recommend the long-term use of stimulant laxatives, but patients can try to take laxatives for a period of time. At present, laxatives mainly include: 1, soluble laxatives: suitable for patients with mild constipation volumetric laxatives, also called bulking drugs, mainly including soluble cellulose (pectin, oat bran, etc.) and insoluble cellulose (plant fiber, lignin, etc.). These laxatives are generally not absorbed by the body, and at the same time can store a lot of water themselves, reducing the absorption of water in the intestinal tract from food residues, so that the stool eventually formed will not easily become dry and hard, but also increase the volume of stool and stimulate intestinal movement, thus playing a laxative role. This type of laxative is milder in stimulating the intestinal tract, so the effect is slower. However, they have fewer side effects and are relatively safe. Patients with chronic constipation with mild symptoms can choose to take volumetric laxatives, and some patients can get good treatment results. It should be noted that during the medication should be additional adequate amount of water. 2, osmotic laxatives: fasting may be more effective osmotic laxatives including polyethylene glycol, lactulose, etc.. These laxatives cannot be absorbed by the intestine; in turn, they can also absorb water from the intestine into the food residue, increasing the water content of the stool, softening the stool, and also increasing the volume of the stool to promote defecation. If the patient’s constipation is not effectively relieved after two consecutive weeks of volumetric laxatives, osmotic laxatives can be considered. It should be noted that the effect of these drugs is better when taken before meals (fasting). 3, pro-dynamic drugs: help the intestine to do exercise commonly used pro-dynamic drugs such as Prilocapride, these drugs can promote intestinal movement, increase the transmission power of the colon, thereby promoting defecation. The side effects are relatively small and can be taken for a long time under the guidance of a doctor. The effect on some slow-transmission stubborn constipation is more obvious. In general, the side effects of laxatives are relatively small, safe and stable. Doctors recommend long-term use of laxatives for patients. With regular medication under the guidance of a doctor, most patients can eventually resume their normal bowel habits.