Each to their own concerning laxatives! The main aim ultimately is to not get constipated in the first place, therefore use psyllium husks.
As it happens, i dont like them, so i use Movicol. You can add water flavourings to it. It is important to add the correct amount to the powder as that amount of water becomes the 'active' ingredient. Movicol DOESNT impare the colon in ANY way, as it encourages a 'natural' bowel movement by rehydrating the stool. All the powder does is act as a carrier to get the water to the stool, where it sinks in. The bowel then recognises that it needs to get rid of it, and a normal bowel movement occurs. Yes, it can be used for impaction, but there are millions of people all over the world who use it on a daily basis to prevent constipation occuring in the first place. It's used in a lot of nursing homes, etc, for people who take a lot of medication, thus causing constipation.
As far as i am aware, it is the ONLY 'medicinal' (ie, not a herbal additive like PH)laxative that works by rehydrating the stool. ALL others STIMULATE the bowel, and can ENCOURAGE a lazy bowel. There is only one other that works in a similar way, and thats DULCOEASE. This is a stool softener.
I used to be a MOVICOL rep, so i am a little biased i guess, but it really is a fab product. It's GPs favourite laxative!
When i take it, i just down the drink quickly, no fuss. Just like taking a soluable paracetamol.