Laxatives are a group of different drugs, which may be used to treat constipation. Laxatives may be purchased with or without a prescription. Some common laxatives are: Type of Laxative Bowel Generic Name(s) Brand Name(s) Stimulants Bisacodyl Sennosides Dulcolax Senokot Stool Softeners Docusate Mineral Oil Glycerin Suppository Colace, Surfak Agarol, Lansoyl Bulk Forming Agents Psyllium Mucilloid Metamucil, Fibrepur, Prodiem Water Attracting Magnesium Salts Lactulose Milk of Magnesia, Citromag Cephulac, Acilac Enemas Phosphate Enema Fleet Appearance Laxatives are available as tablets, capsules, powders, granules, oral liquid, rectal suppositories and enemas. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will recommend the agent(s) and dosage form(s) which may best treat or prevent your constipation. Why these Medications are Used These medications are used to prevent or treat constipation, which may be a result of the drugs you are taking (eg. pain relievers), or after surgery, or prolonged bedrest. How do you take this Medication • It is important Read more [...]

A man comes into the pharmacy and asks for some good laxative tablets. Further questioning by the pharmacist reveals that the medicine is for his dad who is aged 72 years. He does not know many details except that his dad has been complaining of increasing constipation over the last 2-3 months and has tried senna tablets without any benefit. The pharmacist's view Third-party or proxy consultations are often challenging because the person making the request may not have all of the relevant information. However, in this case the decision is quite clear. The patient needs to be referred to the doctor because of the long history of the complaint and the unsuccessful use of a stimulant laxative. The doctor's view Referral to the GP should be recommended in this situation. A glycerin suppository is a safe treatment to use in the meantime. Clearly, more information is needed to make an opinion and diagnosis. A prolonged and progressive change in bowel habit is an indication for referral to hospital for further investigations as the father could have a large bowel cancer. The GP would need to gather Read more [...]

Your counter assistant asks if you will have a word with a young woman who is in the shop. She was recognised by your assistant as a regular purchaser of stimulant laxatives. You explain to the woman that you will need to ask a few questions because regular use of laxatives may mean an underlying problem, which is not improving. In answer to your questions she tells you that she diets almost constantly and always suffers from constipation. Her weight appears to be within the range for her height. You show her your pharmacy's BMI (body mass index) chart and work out with her where she is on the chart, which confirms your initial feeling. However, she is reluctant to accept your advice, saying that she definitely needs to lose some more weight. You ask about her diet and she tells you that she has tried all sorts of approaches, most of which involve eating very little. The pharmacist's view Unfortunately this sort of story is all too common in community pharmacy, with many women who seek to achieve weight below the recommended range. The pharmacist can explain that constipation often occurs during Read more [...]

Mr Johnson is a middle-aged man who occasionally visits your pharmacy. Today he complains of constipation, which he has had for several weeks. He has been having a bowel movement every few days; normally they are every day or every other day. His motions are hard and painful to pass. He has not tried any medicines as he thought the problem would go of its own accord. He has never had problems with constipation in the past. He has been taking atenolol tablets 50 mg once a day, for over 1 year. He does not have any other symptoms, except a slight feeling of abdominal discomfort. You ask him about his diet; he tells you that since he was made redundant from his job at a local factory 3 months ago, he has tended to eat less than usual; his dietary intake sounds as if it is low in fibre. He tells you that he has been applying for jobs, with no success so far. He says he feels really down and is starting to think that he may never get another job. The pharmacist's view Mr Johnson's symptoms are almost certainly due to the change in his lifestyle and eating pattern. Now that he is not working he is likely Read more [...]