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Constipation

image Constipation

Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. The stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and thus difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated or suffer from IBS find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel. Fortunately there are many types of products for treatment of constipation;

Stimulant laxatives stimulate the bowel and this helps to push stools along.

Bulk-forming laxatives use fibre to add bulk to stools and thus make them easier to pass. Fibre is the most natural method of relieving constipation and is thus ideal for those who tend to avoid medication. Because fibre is not medicine-based, fibre-based products are very safe and suitable for long-term use.

Stool softening (osmotic) laxatives work to soften stools by preventing the bowel from re-absorbing too much water from the stools. This means that the stools are more watery and thus softer and easier to pass.

Suppositories and enemas work directly within the bowel. In the case of suppositories, these deliver a dose of medication directly into the bowel. Enemas help flush out the bowel and are useful for cleaning and clearing the bowel before medical examinations.

Natural treatments for constipation are often based on senna and soluble fibre, both important for maintaining and regaining digestive health.
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Popular Constipation Treatments Brands

A. Vogel
Dulcolax
Laxido
Senokot

Stimulant Laxatives

  • Dulcolax 5mg Gastro Resistant Tablets 8

    Dulcolax 5mg Gastro Resistant Tablets 8

    Gastro-resistant tablets containing 5mg bisacodyl for the short term relief of constipation.

    £1.50
    (incl VAT)
  • Dulcolax Adult Tablets 20

    Dulcolax Adult Tablets 20

    Dulcolax Adult Tablets 20 provides effective short-term relief from occasional constipation. Suitable for adults over 18 years.

    £2.69
    (incl VAT)
  • Dulcolax Tablets 60

    Dulcolax Tablets 60

    Dulcolax Tablets 60 are proven to be predictable and reliable laxative relief for constipation.

    £4.80
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Dulcolax Twelve Plus Tablets 100

    Dulcolax Twelve Plus Tablets 100

    Dulcolax Twelve Plus Tablets 100 pack size offers proven and reliable dual action relief from constipation. Suitable for those over 12 years old.

    £8.09
    (incl VAT)
  • Dulcolax Twelve Plus 5mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets 40

    Dulcolax Twelve Plus 5mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets 40

    Dulcolax Twelve Plus 5mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets gently relieve constipation and helps restore your natural rhythm.

    £4.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Senokot 7.5mg Tablets Adult 20

    Senokot 7.5mg Tablets Adult 20

    Senokot 7.5mg Tablets Adult 20 are made with natural senna fruit to form a effective laxative for short-term, occasional constipation. Suitable for 18s and over.

    £3.49
    (incl VAT)
  • Senokot Max Strength Tablets Adult 10

    Senokot Max Strength Tablets Adult 10

    Senokot Max Strength Tablets Adult is twice the strength of Senokot Original. With natural senna fruit to form a effective laxative for short-term, occasional constipation. Not suitable for children.

    £2.95
    (incl VAT)
  • Senokot 7.5mg Tablets 12 Years Plus 60

    Senokot 7.5mg Tablets 12 Years Plus 60

    Senokot 7.5mg Tablets 12 Years Plus 60 are made with natural senna fruit to form a effective laxative for short-term, occasional constipation.

    £7.99
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Senokot Max Strength Tablets 12 Years Plus 24

    Senokot Max Strength Tablets 12 Years Plus 24

    Senokot Max Strength Tablets 12 years plus is twice the strength of Senokot Original. With natural senna fruit to form a effective laxative for short-term, occasional constipation. Not suitable for children under 12 years old.

    £6.35
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Senokot Max Strength Tablets 12 Years Plus 48

    Senokot Max Strength Tablets 12 Years Plus 48

    Senokot Max Strength Tablets 12 years plus is twice the strength of Senokot Original. With natural senna fruit to form a effective laxative for short-term, occasional constipation. Not suitable for children under 12 years old.

    £9.49
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Bisacodyl Laxative Tablets 5mg 60

    Bisacodyl Laxative Tablets 5mg 60

    Bisacodyl Laxative Tablets 5mg 60 for effective short term relief of constipation.

    £8.15
    (incl VAT)
  • Bisacodyl 5mg Tablets 20

    Bisacodyl 5mg Tablets 20

    Bisacodyl 5mg Tablets 20 for 18 years + only for the relief of occasional constipation.

    £1.95
    (incl VAT)
  • Medreich Bisacodyl Tablets 5 mg 100

    £12.50
    (incl VAT)

Liquid Stimulant Laxatives

Bulk-Forming High Fibre Laxatives

  • A. Vogel Linoforce Granules 70g

    A. Vogel Linoforce Granules 70g

    A traditional herbal remedy containing linseed, senna and frangula for the short term relief of constipation.

    £8.99
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Fybogel Hi-Fibre Orange Sachets 10

    Fybogel Hi-Fibre Orange Sachets 10

    Senokot Hi Fibre Orange Sachets 10 provides relief from constipation and helps with the maintenance of regularity in the long term.

    £4.60
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Fybogel Hi-Fibre Lemon 10 Sachets

    Fybogel Hi-Fibre Lemon 10 Sachets

    Fybogel Hi-Fibre Lemon (10 Sachets) helps to gently relieve constipation and maintain regularity.

    £4.45
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Fybogel Natural Flavour 30

    Fybogel Natural Flavour 30

    Fybogel Natural Flavour 30 is a high fibre drink that gently relieves constipation and maintains regularity.

    £6.65
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Fybogel Lemon Flavour 30

    Fybogel Lemon Flavour 30

    Fybogel Lemon Flavour 30 is a high fibre drink that gently relieves constipation and maintains regularity.

    £6.59
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Fybogel Orange Flavour 30

    Fybogel Orange Flavour 30

    Fybogel Orange Flavour 30 is a high fibre drink that gently relieves constipation and maintains regularity.

    £7.00
    (incl VAT)
  • Fybogel Fibre Chews Citrus 30 Tablets

    Fybogel Fibre Chews Citrus 30 Tablets

    Fybogel Fibre Chews are a convenient on-the-go way to help gently relieve constipation and maintain regularity. Tasty citrus flavoured chewable tablets.

    £9.20
    (incl VAT)
  • Fybogel Fibre Chews Citrus 60 Tablets

    Fybogel Fibre Chews Citrus 60 Tablets

    Fybogel Fibre Chews are a convenient on-the-go way to help gently relieve constipation and maintain regularity. Tasty citrus flavoured chewable tablets.

    £15.00
    (incl VAT)
  • Health Aid Pysllium Husk Fibre 300g

    Health Aid Pysllium Husk Fibre 300g

    Psyllium Husk Fibre is a bulk forming laxative that softens stools and maintains regularity.

    £16.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Health Aid Psyllium Husk 60 1000mg Capsules

    Health Aid Psyllium Husk 60 1000mg Capsules

    Health Aid Psyllium Husk 60 1000mg Capsules a food supplement that is high in fibre.

    £9.19
    (incl VAT)
  • Lepicol High Fibre Powder 350g

    Lepicol High Fibre Powder 350g

    Lepicol High Fibre Powder ensures that you get the recommended daily amount of fibre to maintain normal bowel movement.

    £21.55
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Lepicol High Fibre Powder 180g

    Lepicol High Fibre Powder 180g

    A multi-fibre food supplement with live cultures to help support and maintain normal bowel movement.

    £14.40
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Movicol Liquid Orange Flavour Oral Solution 500ml

    Movicol Liquid Orange Flavour Oral Solution 500ml

    Movicol Liquid Orange Flavour Oral Solution 500ml for the treatment of chronic constipation.

    £8.85
    (incl VAT)
  • Movicol 50 13.8g Sachets - Lemon & Lime

    Movicol 50 13.8g Sachets - Lemon & Lime

    Movicol 50 Sachets for adults adolescents and elderly for the relief of constipation in a drink, just add water. Lemon & lime flavour.

    £22.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Movicol 30 13.8g Sachets - Lemon & Lime

    Movicol 30 13.8g Sachets  - Lemon & Lime

    Movicol 30 Sachets for adults, adolescents and elderly for the relief of constipation, just add water and drink. Lemon and Lime flavour.

    £12.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Movicol Plain 30 13.7g Sachets

    Movicol Plain 30 13.7g Sachets

    Movicol Plain 30 Sachets for adults adolescents and elderly for the relief of constipation in a drink, just add water.

    £13.79
    (incl VAT)
  • Movicol Plain 50 13.7g Sachets

    Movicol Plain 50 13.7g Sachets

    Movicol Plain 50 Sachets for adults adolescents and elderly for the relief of constipation in a drink, just add water.

    £20.49
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Movicol Chocolate 30 13.9g Sachets

    Movicol Chocolate 30 13.9g Sachets

    Movicol Chocolate 30 Sachets for adults adolescents and elderly for the relief of constipation in a drink, just add water.

    £11.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Movicol-Half 30 6.9g Sachets - Lemon & Lime

    Movicol-Half 30 6.9g Sachets - Lemon & Lime

    powder sachets at half strength that you simply add water for the relief of constipation and fecal impaction. Lemon & Lime flavoured.

    £8.75
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Movicol-Half 20 6.9g Sachets - Lemon & Lime

    Movicol-Half 20 6.9g Sachets - Lemon & Lime

    Movicol-Half 20 Sachets A gentle but effective way to relieve constipation. Lemon & Lime flavoured.

    £4.85
    (incl VAT)
  • Movicol Ready to Take 30 Sachets

    Movicol Ready to Take 30 Sachets

    Movicol Ready to Take 30 Sachets are oral solution in sachets, premixed so there is not preparation needed. For effective relief from constipation.

    £11.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Normacol Natural High Fibre 60

    Normacol Natural High Fibre 60

    Normacol Natural High Fibre 60 act by providing dietary fibre to assist in the relief of constipation.

    £9.95
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Normacol Plus Natural Fibre 60

    Normacol Plus Natural Fibre 60

    Normacol Plus Natural Fibre 60 contain frangula, a natural traditional herbal laxative to help with constipation.

    £10.95
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Normacol Natural High Fibre 500g

    Normacol Natural High Fibre 500g

    Normacol Natural High Fibre 500g are granules containing sterculia that provide fibre to assist with constipation.

    £11.50
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Normacol Plus Natural Fibre 500g

    Normacol Plus Natural Fibre 500g

    Normacol Plus Natural Fibre 500g granules contain sterculia and frangula to naturally help constipation.

    £12.25
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • OptiFibre Powder 250g

    OptiFibre Powder 250g

    OptiFibre Powder 250g is soluble dietary fibre for the dietary management of patients with intestinal transit disorders.

    £16.99
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Ortisan Fruits and Fibre Cubes 12

    Ortisan Fruits and Fibre Cubes 12

    Ortisan Fruits and Fibre Cubes 12 are made from a traditional recipe with figs, senna and tamarinds selected for their gentle action on constipation.

    £7.45
    (incl VAT)
  • Ortisan Fruits and Fibre Cubes 24

    Ortisan Fruits and Fibre Cubes 24

    Ortisan Fruits and Fibre Cubes 24 are formulated with natural ingredients such as figs, senna and tamarinds that gently act on constipation.

    £11.99
    (incl VAT)

Stool Softeners

  • Duphalac Solution 200ml

    Duphalac Solution 200ml

    Duphalac Solution 200ml treats constipation using lactulose which helps to hydrate and soften stools.

    £3.50
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • DulcoSoft Oral Solution 100ml

    DulcoSoft Oral Solution 100ml

    DulcoSoft Oral Solution 100ml contains Macrogol 4000 to effectively relieve constipation and ease bowel movement by softening hard stool.

    £4.50
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • DulcoEase Capsules 30

    DulcoEase Capsules 30

    DulcoEase Capsules 30 can help sufferers of constipation by softening stools and making evacuating less painful during bouts of constipation.

    £5.99
    (incl VAT)
  • DulcoSoft Powder for Oral Solution 20 Sachets

    DulcoSoft Powder for Oral Solution 20 Sachets

    DulcoSoft Powder for Oral Solution is used for the symptomatic treatment of constipation.

    £10.50
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Laxido Orange Sugar-Free 20

    Laxido Orange Sugar-Free 20

    Laxido Orange Sugar-Free 20 are orange-flavoured single dose sachets used to treat chronic long-term constipation and to soften stools.

    £5.95
    (incl VAT)
  • Laxido Orange Sugar-Free 30

    Laxido Orange Sugar-Free 30

    Laxido Orange Sugar-Free 30 are single dose orange-flavoured sachets for treating chronic long-term constipation and for softening stools.

    £7.95
    (incl VAT)
  • Laxaclear 5.9g Powder For Oral Solution 10 Sachets

    Laxaclear 5.9g Powder For Oral Solution 10 Sachets

    Laxaclear 5.9g Powder For Oral Solution 10 Sachets a powder to mix with water as a drink for the short term relief of constipation.

    £3.40
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Bells Liquid Paraffin B.P. 150ml

    Bells Liquid Paraffin B.P. 150ml

    Bells Liquid Paraffin B.P. 150ml offers temporary relief of constipation.

    £3.39
    (incl VAT)
  • Senosoft Macrogol 4000 10 Sachets

    Senosoft Macrogol 4000 10 Sachets

    Senosoft Macrogol 4000 10 Sachets is effective constipation relief that promotes re-hydration. Flavour, Sugar and Gluten free. Suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding upon doctor consult.

    £6.40
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Senosoft Macrogol 4000 20 sachets

    £9.95
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Manevac 12 Years Plus Granules 250g

    Manevac 12 Years Plus Granules 250g

    Manevac 12 years plus granules is a fibre product used for the short term relief of occasional constipation.

    £9.99
    (incl VAT)

Suppositories and Enemas

  • Glycerin Suppositories for Adults 12

    Glycerin Suppositories for Adults 12

    Glycerin Suppositories for Adults 12 give relief of occasional constipation in adults.

    £3.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Care Glycerin Suppositories for Infants 12

    Care Glycerin Suppositories for Infants 12

    Care Glycerin Suppositories for Infants 12 for infant use offering the relief of occasional constipation.

    £3.29
    (incl VAT)
  • Micralax Micro-Enema 12

    Micralax Micro-Enema 12

    Micralax Micro-Enema 12 contains 450mg sodium citrate, 45mg sodium alkylsulphoacetate and glycerol and works by softening the stools to relieve constipation and clear the bowel.

    £11.85
    (incl VAT)
  • Norgalax Micro-Enemas 6

    Norgalax Micro-Enemas 6

    Norgalax Micro-Enemas 6 provide relief from constipation and clear the bowel before some medical examinations.

    £38.20
    (incl VAT)
  • Relaxit Microenemas 12

    Relaxit Microenemas 12

    Relaxit Microenemas 12 is used in the treatment of constipation and to soften hardened stools.

    £8.20
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Glycerol Suppositories BP for Children 12

    Glycerol Suppositories BP for Children 12

    Glycerol Suppositories BP for Children 12 is a laxative for short-term treatment of constipation.

    £3.60
    (incl VAT)
  • Lecicarbon A 10 suppositories.

    Lecicarbon A 10 suppositories.

    10 rectal suppositories for the relief of chronic constipation.

    £12.45
    (incl VAT)
  • Lecicarbon C 10 Suppositories.

    Lecicarbon C 10 Suppositories.

    10 suppositories which release carbon dioxide to relieve the symptoms of constipation.

    £11.50
    (incl VAT)
  • Dulcolax Suppositories 12

    Dulcolax Suppositories 12

    Dulcolax Suppositories 12 provides fast relief from constipation in a suppository.

    £4.79
    (incl VAT)

Constipation Natural Treatments

  • Senna


    Senna

    For centuries senna has traditionally been used for its laxative qualities.

  • Artichoke


    Artichoke

    Artichoke is thought to lower blood cholesterol levels, help maintain a healthy liver, gallbladder and bowel and aid digestion.

  • Peppermint


    Peppermint

    Peppermint has been known for centuries as a soothing digestive aid, working on the gastro-intestinal tract, helping to soothe the muscles.

Constipation FAQs

What is constipation?
Constipation is the infrequent passage of stools - typically fewer than three times per week. The stools tend to be difficult to pass because they are hard and dry.

Why do stools become hard?
Stools are formed along the intestine, and start off quite watery. The colon is designed to re-absorb some of the water from the stools. However, sometimes it absorbs too much and this can lead to hard, dry stools and constipation. At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stools harden in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.

Why do I become constipated in the first place?
You can become constipated for a number of reasons. It often happens through not drinking enough water or eating enough fibre. Constipation can also happen when the digestive process is temporarily upset. This can happen, for example, after excessive drinking or when taking antibiotics that interfere with the digestive bacteria in the gut. Some long-term sufferers have problems due to an overall bacterial imbalance in the gut.

Is constipation related to any other conditions?
Constipation can also alternate with diarrhoea, whereby the colon does not re-absorb enough water. This pattern is more commonly considered as part of the condition known as IBS. A soluble fibre supplement can help to alleviate both conditions by balancing the fluid and fibre levels in the intestine.

What treatments are available for constipation?
  • Stimulant laxatives, such as senna and bisacodol, increase the speed at which the contents move through the bowel. These can come in oral or suppository form. Senna is found in products such as Senokot, whereas bisacodyl is found in products such as Dulcolax tablets or Dulcolax suppositories.
  • Osmotic laxatives such as lactulose and magnesium hydroxide work by preventing too much water from being drawn away from the bowel, and thus softening the stools. Lactulose is found in Duphalac; magnesium hydroxide is contained in milk of magnesia.
  • Docusate sodium, found in products such as Dulcoease, is a stool-softening agent which works by a surfactant action, breaking up stools and allowing them to be passed.
  • Glycerin suppositories have a direct softening effect.
  • Bulk-forming laxatives include bran, isphagula husk, methylcellulose and sterculia. These work by adding bulk to the stools, thus making them softer and easier to pass. This type of product is often recommended for patients with haemorrhoids or IBS. Because these products are just fibre rather than medicine, they are quite safe and suitable for long-term use.
How can I choose between treatments?
Stimulant laxatives are powerful because they directly activate the bowel. However, they are not for those who prefer to avoid medication. Osmotic laxatives are a little milder, whereas bulk-forming laxatives are based around fibre and provide the most natural form of relief from constipation. In addition, soluble fibre can be used in conjunction with any of the other treatments. Fibre is very safe and suitable for long-term use.

What does Express Chemist recommend for constipation?
In the short term, constipation can be treated with stimulant laxatives such as Dulcolax or Senokot. Fibre-based treatments such as Fybogel will also help. In the long term, stimulant laxatives should be avoided, and hydrating treatments such as Laxido are far safer. Again, fibre-based treatments such as Fybogel are always helpful in treating constipation in the long term.

What is the advantage of suppositories over tablets?
Suppositories get straight to work in the bowel, bypassing the need to digest tablets. This is great for people with poor digestion or other gastric problems besides constipation. However, many people find tablets far more pleasant than inserting suppositories, and suppositories can be inserted incorrectly.

What can I do to prevent constipation?
You can help treat constipation by increasing your fluid intake and eating food that is high in fibre such as figs or prunes. In addition, exercise and movement can all help to get the digestive system moving. You can also take extra fibre in addition to your meals. Some herbal products are also believed to help digestion, including artichoke.html, peppermint or artichoke. Fibre can help where an imbalance of bacteria in the intestine is suspected.

Why is it bad to be constipated?
The extra strain on the rectum caused when passing dry stools can lead to haemorrhoids. In addition, if stools are left in the bowel for long periods of time, toxins from the stools can re-enter the body. This can, in turn, lead to conditions such as psoriasis, spots and acne, liver damage or even bowel cancer.