CONSTIPATION AND REGULARITY
What is constipation?
Constipation, or irregularity, is a condition in which your stools pass more slowly than usual through the bowels (intestines). This condition occurs when too much water is removed from the stools and they become hardened, making it difficult to have bowel movements.
What is a normal or "regular" frequency of bowel movements?
Normal frequency of bowel movements is different for each individual. Some people have two or three a day. Others have only three or four bowel movements a week.
What causes constipation?
The condition can be caused by a variety of factors, such as not drinking enough fluids, a lack of sufficient fiber in the diet, stress, travel, pregnancy or just lack of physical activity. Many people experience occasional constipation due to changes in diet or dehydration. Medications such as cough syrups, sedatives and antacids can also cause occasional constipation. Even people who have a diet rich in fiber can occasionally become constipated.
What can I do to avoid constipation?
What you eat and drink matters. The USDA recommends that adults should be eating roughly 25 to 38 grams of fiber a day to help stay regular. Drinking around 8 glasses of water a day is also important to avoid constipation. In addition, your lifestyle makes a difference. For instance, regular exercise can help keep you regular.
How can I get more fiber?
If getting enough fiber through diet is a challenge for you, you may want to consider taking a fiber supplement. The benefits of fiber supplements are convenience and the ability to add fiber to your daily diet.
Phillips'® offers Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies to help support digestive health.*
Which Phillips'® products relieve occasional constipation?
What can I use for gentle, quick relief of occasional constipation?
A safe, gentle overnight laxative like Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia works with your body's natural processes by drawing water into the bowel to promote a bowel movement. Phillips'® offers Milk of Magnesia liquids in several flavors.
What if my constipation persists?
Occasional and even frequent constipation are quite common. But if you've used a laxative longer than one week, please contact your doctor.
What are the benefits of using stimulant-free laxatives like Phillips'®?
Stimulant laxatives, such as those containing bisacodyl, work by stimulating fluid secretion and causing contractions of the colon to produce a bowel movement. These actions can cause intestinal distress in some people, which, in the case of bisacodyl, may lead to painful cramps. Phillips'® products work differently. They don't contain stimulants and work with your body's natural process to gently relieve occasional constipation. As always, read the label of any product to make sure it's right for you. But if you're looking for a safe, gentle and stimulant-free laxative, it's an easy choice with Phillips'®. It's the only full line of laxatives that is completely stimulant-free.
Why should Phillips'® be my choice for my laxative needs?
Not only is Phillips'® the only line of laxatives that is completely stimulant-free, but all Phillips'® products are gentle, effective and safe. Phillips'® helps take care of all your regularity needs and has been trusted for over 150 years. For further information, please call 1-800-986-0369 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time).
GENERAL PRODUCT
What products are under the Phillips'® brand?
- Liquid: Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia
- Caplets: Phillips'® Laxative Dietary Supplement
- Liquid Gels: Phillips'® Stool Softener
- Gummies: Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies
- Capsules: Phillips'® Colon Health® Probiotic Capsules
What are the key ingredients used in the Phillips'® family of products?
| Laxatives | Dietary Supplements |
| Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia contains magnesium hydroxide. | Phillips'® Laxative Caplets contain magnesium oxide. |
| Phillips'® Stool Softener Liquid Gels contain docusate sodium that gently produces a bowel movement in approximately 12 to 72 hours. | Phillips'® Colon Health® contains a proprietary blend of two probiotic strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12®) to help support digestive health and immune health.* |
| Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies contain soluble inulin fiber to help support digestive health.* |
See our product information section for complete details about each Phillips'® formula.
Is there any gluten in Phillips'® products?
We do not add any gluten to our products. However, we cannot guarantee that they are 100% gluten-free, as these products are produced in facilities that manufacture or package other items that may contain gluten.
Are there any Phillips'® products that are sugar free?
Our Original and Fresh Mint Milk of Magnesia products are sugar-free.
Can I take Phillips'® products if I take other medications?
Check with your doctor before taking any medications together. Some medications interfere with one another and thus effectiveness can be affected.
If you are presently taking a prescription drug, do not take this product without checking with your doctor or other health professional.
Can I take Phillips'® products if I am pregnant or nursing?
If you are pregnant or nursing, ask a health professional before use.
Should I take Phillips'® products with food?
In general, Phillips'® products may be taken with or without food. However, Phillips'® Colon Health® Probiotic Capsules should be taken with a meal.
How do Phillips'® products work?
Phillips'® line of laxative products relieve occasional constipation by drawing water into the intestine, leading to a bowel movement.
Phillips'® Stool Softener works by increasing water in the stool to help soften it, making it more comfortable to pass.
Soluble fiber such as Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies absorbs water and becomes gel, which adds bulk to your stool to help support overall digestive health.*
Lastly, when taken regularly, probiotics such as Phillips'® Colon Health® Probiotic Capsules can support digestive and immune health by helping to maintain the balance of beneficial and non-beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. Having a natural balance of bacteria in the digestive tract can help with occasional digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating.*
How many days can I use Phillips'® laxative products?
It varies. However, stop laxative use and talk to your doctor if you need to use it for more than one week. Otherwise, please consult with your doctor or other health professional to see how long you may take a Phillips'® laxative product.
Can I use Phillips'® products after they expire?
No. Like other medications and supplements, Phillips'® products can lose their maximum effectiveness after the expiration date. Expiration dates are stamped on each carton or container.
PHILLIPS'® MILK OF MAGNESIA
When was Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia introduced?
Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia has provided stimulant-free relief of occasional constipation for over 150 years. See a timeline of product introductions.
How much Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia liquid can I take for occasional constipation?
Milk of Magnesia may be taken once a day preferably at bedtime, in divided doses, or as directed by a doctor.
Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia
Recommended dose:
- Adults and children 12 years and older: 30 mL to 60 mL
- Children 6 to 11 years: 15 mL to 30 mL
- Children under 6 years: Ask a doctor.
For accurate dosing, only use dosing cup provided.
When will Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia begin to work as a laxative?
Stimulant-free Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia generally produces a bowel movement in 1/2 hour to 6 hours. However, this can vary according to the individual.
Why do I have to take Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia with water?
Milk of Magnesia should be taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of fluid. To allow the product to work properly, you need to increase water content to promote a bowel movement.
What flavors does Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia come in?
Milk of Magnesia comes in Original, Fresh Mint and Wild Cherry.
Do I have to keep Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia in the refrigerator?
No. Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia should not be refrigerated at any time and must not be frozen. Simply keep the cap tightly secured and store at room temperature.
Why does my Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia look different than usual (watery, gritty)?
If Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia freezes, it will have a watery and gritty appearance when thawed. For this reason, do not store it in your freezer or refrigerator. For best results, we do not recommend using the product if it has a watery appearance.
PHILLIPS'® LAXATIVE CAPLETS
How many Phillips'® Caplets can I take for occasional constipation?
- Adults and children 12 years and older: Take 2-4 caplets daily.
- Children under 12: Ask a doctor before use.
Laxative caplets may be taken all at bedtime (preferable), or individually throughout the day.
Can any of the Phillips'® Caplets be cut in half or crushed?
The caplets can be cut/crushed, as it will not affect their effectiveness.
Why do I have to take Phillips'® Caplets with water?
Laxative Caplets should be taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of fluid. To allow the product to work properly, you need to increase the water content to promote a bowel movement.
PHILLIPS'® STOOL SOFTENER LIQUID GELS
How many Phillips'® Stool Softener Liquid Gels can I take for laxative use?
- Adults and children 12 years and older: Take 1 to 3 softgels per day or as directed by a doctor. This dose may be taken as a single daily dose or in divided doses.
- Children 6 to under 12 years: Take 1 softgel daily or as directed by a doctor.
- Children under 6 years of age: Ask a doctor.
When will Phillips'® Stool Softener Liquid Gels begin to work?
Phillips'® Stool Softener Liquid Gels generally provides occasional constipation relief within 12-72 hours after the first dose. However, this can vary according to the individual.
Why do I have to take Phillips'® Stool Softener Liquid Gels with water?
Stool Softener Liquid Gels should be taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of fluid. Water helps the product work to soften dry, hard stools.
PHILLIPS'® FIBER GOOD® GUMMIES
How many Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies can I take to support overall digestive health?
Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies:
Under adult supervision product should be fully chewed before swallowing.
- Adults and children 4 years of age and older: Fully chew two gummies two times daily. If not chewed properly, this product is a potential choking hazard for children.
How much fiber do I need per day?
According to the USDA, adults should be eating roughly 25 to 38 grams of fiber a day.
How much fiber does Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies contain?
Just two Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies contains 4 grams of Fiber. Take 2 gummies twice daily to help support overall digestive health.*
What kind of fiber does Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies contain?
Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies contain inulin, a type of soluble fiber.
Should I take Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies with water?
You don't have to take Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies with water. You just have to make sure they are fully chewed before swallowing.
What flavors do Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies come in?
Phillips'® Fiber Good® Gummies come in six great-tasting fruit flavors: natural Strawberry, Apple, Grape, Cherry, Orange and Lemon, with other natural flavors.
PHILLIPS'® COLON HEALTH® PROBIOTICS
What are probiotics?
"Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit."1 In general, probiotics are similar to the beneficial bacteria that live naturally in your digestive tract. They can be found in some foods, such as yogurt and cheese, as well as dietary supplements. When taken daily, probiotics like the ones found in Phillips'® Colon Health® probiotic supplements can help replenish your body's good bacteria and support digestive and immune health.*
Source: 1. World Health Organization, 2001
Why are probiotics important?
It's important to have a balance of good bacteria in your digestive tract, which can be negatively impacted by factors such as diet and travel. Probiotics can help support digestive health* by helping maintain the balance of beneficial and non-beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract.
Who should take probiotics?
Any adult who is concerned about supporting digestive health and immune health should consider taking probiotics.
How can a probiotic such as Phillips'® Colon Health® help you?
Phillips'® Colon Health® Probiotic Capsules contain a blend of two probiotics to help defend against occasional digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating.* When taken daily, it can help replenish the good bacteria in your colon to support overall digestive health and immune health.*
What types of bacteria are in Phillips'® Colon Health®?
Phillips'® Colon Health® contains a proprietary blend of two probiotic strains:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®)
- Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12®)
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the two most common types of bacteria found in probiotics. Both are similar to the beneficial bacteria that live naturally in your digestive tract.
Does Phillips'® Colon Health® need to be refrigerated?
No, Phillips'® Colon Health® does not need to be refrigerated.
Is Phillips'® Colon Health® a laxative?
No, Phillips'® Colon Health® is a probiotic supplement designed to support your digestive health.*
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
