Final answer:
Bisacodyl, dantron, and senna are stimulant laxatives for treating constipation; bisacodyl and senna are widely available, dantron is used mainly in palliative care. They work by stimulating bowel movement but should be used as directed to prevent side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bisacodyl, dantron, and senna are all types of laxatives used to treat constipation. While bisacodyl and senna are available over-the-counter, dantron is not commonly used due to its potential carcinogenic effects and is available in some countries only for patients with terminal illness where comfort is the main aim of care.
Bisacodyl is often recommended for short-term relief of constipation and works by irritating the lining of the intestines, which helps to stimulate bowel movements. Senna, derived from the leaves and fruit of the senna plant, acts on the lining of the bowel to cause a laxative effect. Unlike bisacodyl and senna, dantron is mostly restricted to palliative care settings. When taking any stimulant laxative, it's important to follow the dosage instructions to avoid side effects and dependency.