Laxatives take varying amounts of time to work depending on the type:
- Suppositories work the fastest, typically in 15 to 30 minutes.
- Stimulant laxatives usually take 6 to 12 hours.
- Lubricant laxatives take about 6 to 8 hours.
- Bulk-forming laxatives start working in 12 to 24 hours for some effect, with full effect in 48 to 72 hours.
- Emollient (stool softeners) laxatives take 12 to 72 hours.
- Hyperosmotic laxatives can vary: saline types act in 30 minutes to 6 hours, lactulose types take 48 to 72 hours.
Overall, the onset of action depends on the laxative type, dosage, and individual factors.
