Laxatives
Laxatives
There are different types of laxatives that customers can try.
Click on each cog to find out how they work, and how long they can take to be effective.
1. Bulk forming, e.g. ispaghula husk, methylcellulose
- They increase the faecal mass by retaining fluid in it
- This stimulates peristalsis, allowing the bowel muscle to pass the stool
- Work in the same way as dietary fibre
- Need to drink more water for this method to be effective
- Useful first-line choice when it is difficult to get adequate dietary fibre7
- Not recommended for opioid-induced constipation (e.g. customers taking codeine-containing medicines)
2-3
days8
Overuse of stimulant laxatives: Be aware of customers making regular, repeated requests for stimulant laxatives, as they can be abused and misused by some (e.g. those with eating disorders). If you are unsure whether a sale is appropriate, refer to your pharmacist.9
Remember: if a customer is taking an opioid medicine (e.g codeine), do not recommend a bulk-forming laxative. You should offer an osmotic laxative first, and then a stimulant laxative if that is not successful.