Bisacodyl is typically prescribed for relief of constipation and for the management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction as well as part of bowel preparation before medical examinations, such as for a colonoscopy. Some drugs (e.g., diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) increase risk due to fluid and electrolyte changes. Most common adverse reactions (> 3%) are overall discomfort, abdominal fullness, abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

Docusate, also known as docusate salts or dioctyl sulfosuccinate, prevents/relieves dry hard stool and thus is used to treat constipation. Results usually occurs 1 to 3 days after the first dose. In North America, docusate and a stimulant laxative such as sennosides are commonly used in bowel treatment protocols associated with institutionalized elderly and oncology treatments. A paucity of evidence is available to support the use of the stool softener docusate yet it continues to be prescribed in everyday clinical practice for the aforementioned populations. While the actual cost of docusate is low, additional costs associated with its administration (i.e. nursing time) and its widespread use can be significant. Docusate is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted via the gallbladder after undergoing extensive metabolism. The effect of docusate may not necessarily be all due to its surfactant properties. Perfusion studies suggest that docusate inhibits fluid absorption or stimulates secretion in the portion of the small intestine known as the jejunum

Phenolphthalein is a chemical compound often used as an indicator in acid-base titrations. For this application, it turns colorless in acidic solutions and pink in basic solutions. In medicine, phenolphtaleine was used as a laxative, but is now being removed from over-the-counter laxatives because of concerns over carcinogenicity. The mechanism of action of phenolphthalein is poorly understood. It is speculated that laxative effect of phenolphthalein in part to be mediated by the efflux of potassium from cells.