For quick and effective bowel movements, doctors recommend using laxative suppositories. Unlike oral medications against constipation, suppositories do not have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Some of them can be used in therapy in children and pregnant women.
The following is a list of rectal suppositories with a name and brief instructions for use. Before use, it is recommended to study the full label of the medicinal product.
Attention! Most suppositories for inflammation of hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids) and anal fissures during an exacerbation are prohibited. Information about the possibility of use for these pathologies is indicated in the description of the drug.
Causes of constipation in adults
Constipation in an adult can occur due to:
- slow bowel function due to a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to difficulty in bowel movement. Office workers and older people are susceptible to this;
- improper nutrition . Snacking on the go, lack of healthy food in the diet, eating sweets and flour, fatty foods - all this provokes stool retention.
- disordered eating . Rare meals combined with overeating also cause constipation;
- stress . All human organs depend on the proper functioning of the nervous system. With severe stress and sleep disturbances, disruptions occur in the functioning of the body, in particular the intestines;
- postoperative period . The intestinal muscles are weakened and temporarily malfunction;
- weakening the urge to defecate . Restraining the urge to defecate, for example, during a busy work schedule, inhibits the reflex activity of the intestines;
- changes in nearby organs . Pregnant women often have difficulty bowel movements due to an enlarged uterus.
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How dangerous is the condition?
If feces remain in the body for a long time, they begin to poison it. The person feels weak and sick. In addition, other complications may appear:
- fissure in the anus;
- haemorrhoids;
- chronic infection;
- lazy bowel syndrome;
- diverticulosis of the colon.
To prevent such serious consequences, it is worth showing your relative to specialists in a timely manner. They will be able to identify the problem and help solve it.
Types of constipation
Constipation can be acute or chronic. Acute constipation is rare. With this form, it is enough to adjust your diet: eat more fiber, vegetables and fruits, consume more water; do physical exercise. In the chronic form, the problem periodically makes itself felt. In this case, the use of laxatives is necessary.
In order to choose the right medications, it is important to determine the type of difficult stool.
There is a distinction between cologenic constipation - feces accumulate even before entering the rectum. Occurs when the intestines have weak walls, scarring or tumors. In this form, laxatives taken orally are effective.
Proctogenic constipation also happens - difficulties arise in the rectum and anus. The reasons may be weak pelvic muscles, weak sensitivity of intestinal receptors, cracks, nodes, tumors. When determining this form, rectal suppositories are prescribed.
Contraindications
The list of contraindications to the use of laxative suppositories includes the following diseases and pathological conditions:
- neoplasms of the large intestine;
- anal fissures;
- intestinal bleeding;
- exacerbation of hemorrhoids;
- individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
- symptom complex of acute abdomen;
- nonspecific ulcerative colitis;
- Crohn's disease;
- pronounced disturbances in water and electrolyte balance;
- severe exhaustion.
How to use laxative suppositories
The instructions often contain the option of carrying out the morning procedure after breakfast. The manipulation is also carried out before bedtime, if there is not enough free time in the morning.
Algorithm of actions:
- Take a shower. With clean hands, remove the suppository.
- Choose the dosage according to the instructions. One candle is usually enough for an adult.
- Lie on your side with your knee bent. Carefully introduce the product with the pointed end first.
- It is advisable to lie down for 15 minutes. Some instructions require active movement. The effect occurs within 10-60 minutes.
- If you experience a strong urge to defecate, empty your bowels.
Which method should you choose?
Both drugs for internal use, and laxative suppositories, and enemas have their pros and cons.
Of course, it is most convenient to swallow a tablet or syrup, but the medicine will be absorbed by the entire body through the digestive tract. There is a higher chance of unwanted side effects. The effect of internal medications develops only after 8–12 hours.
In the case of an enema, there is no effect on the entire body; it is a fairly physiological and safe method. In this case, the effect occurs quickly: after 15 – 20 minutes. Nevertheless, the procedure is quite troublesome, many consider it unpleasant.
Suppositories for constipation have a quick effect, are more convenient than an enema, and at the same time have virtually no systemic effect on the body. This is a compromise for those who refused the first two options.
Advantages and disadvantages of laxative suppositories
Pros:
- laxatives in the form of suppositories, unlike oral medications, do not irritate the gastrointestinal tract;
- Rectal suppositories work faster because they are inserted directly into the rectum. There is no need to wait for the medicine to be digested and take effect;
- do not stretch the intestinal walls;
- do not cause a feeling of bloating and distension;
- suppositories gently improve bowel function;
- most rectal suppositories are allowed for pregnant women;
- work for different types of constipation;
- some products can be used for a long time;
Minuses:
- psychological discomfort;
- the presence of many contraindications;
- not always convenient to use;
- possible damage to the mucous membrane;
- have no effect if the problem is located above the rectum;
- Most rectal suppositories are addictive
Drug cost table
Let's look at the cost of the most popular laxatives, which we already wrote about today:
Drug name | Amount in a package | Cost, rub. |
Lactulose | 15 ml. - 10 pieces. | 200 |
Glycelax | 750 ml. - 10 pieces. | 120 |
Microlax | 5 ml. – 12 pcs. | 740 |
Bisacodyl | 5 ml. – 30 pcs. | 35 |
Ferroplex | 30 g – 100 pcs. | 110 |
Evacue | 6 pcs. | 520 |
Inexpensive laxative suppositories
Glycerin suppositories
Glycerin suppositories are one of the most affordable and effective fast-acting suppositories. Prescribed 1 piece per day after breakfast.
Should be stored in the refrigerator. The drug is suitable even for young children and the elderly. During pregnancy, use after consultation with a doctor due to possible uterine tone.
The suppositories are safe to use; the only side effects listed are an allergic reaction.
Glycerin in combination with stearic acid and sodium carbonate acts immediately, but should not be abused to avoid irritation of the mucous membrane.
Dissolving in the rectum, it has a liquefying effect on hardened feces and greatly facilitates the cleansing process.
Within 15 minutes the intestines are cleansed. If this does not happen, then intestinal obstruction may develop. If you experience abdominal pain or fever, you must call an ambulance.
The price in Russia is 160-220 rubles.
Sea buckthorn candles
Despite the fact that the remedy is anti-hemorrhoid, sea buckthorn suppositories are also the most affordable among medications for constipation.
Prescribed 2 pieces per day - after the morning meal and before bed.
If there are regular difficulties in bowel movements, suppositories are placed for up to 10 days. In this case, the drug will help get rid of the symptoms, but will not eliminate the true cause.
Sea buckthorn oil has a softening, healing, antimicrobial effect. Natural candles are safe for newborns, pregnant women, and the elderly.
They act gently, so bowel cleansing will not happen immediately. Contraindicated in acute hemorrhoids. Allergic reactions are possible. It should be taken into account that orange suppositories leave marks on bedding and underwear.
The price in Russia is 70-110 rubles.
Papaverine suppositories
Suppositories are used as an anesthetic and laxative.
Papaverine eliminates spasms and frees the intestines. It affects everyone individually, the effect may not occur immediately. One candle per day is enough.
Contraindicated in the presence of glaucoma, hypersensitivity to components, liver failure.
Use with caution during pregnancy, old age and childhood. Prescribed only by the attending physician, because there are contraindications.
Cost 60-110 rubles.
Gas-forming candles
Calciolax are gas-forming suppositories containing cocoa butter and sodium bicarbonate. Effectively fights proctogenic constipation. They help when the cause of constipation is periodic suppression of the urge to defecate.
Prescribed once a day, no more than 3 days in a row. Can be used for chronic constipation. There are many contraindications: intestinal obstruction, anal fissures, itching, the presence of tumors. Should not be used by pregnant women or small children.
Enteric fillers
Intestinal fillers are substances that the gastrointestinal tract is unable to digest. They are not absorbed into the systemic circulation. The laxative effect is achieved by increasing the volume of feces. Fillers can be represented by both modified saccharides and herbal agents.
Some patients suffering from chronic stool retention refuse to take these laxatives, since their effect does not always develop. There is also a high probability of flatulence, rumbling in the stomach, and pain along the intestines.
Enteric fillers: agar-agar, flaxseed and flaxseed, wheat bran, sterculia, methylcellulose, psyllium husk (oval or ovoid).
How do enteric fillers work? Fillers, regardless of their type, absorb water. The intestinal walls stretch, so the organ tries to get rid of excess fluid. Feces come out along with the water. However, with atony of the organ, these remedies are ineffective. To develop a laxative effect, you need to drink as much water as possible (at least 2 liters per day).
Fillers are classified as mild agents that do not immediately relieve constipation. Depending on the chosen drug, the effect develops after 12 hours (when taking agar-agar) or after 24 hours (when taking flyavort seeds). Methylcellulose will help you cope with constipation in only 1-3 days.
- Side effects. When taking fillers, the intestinal walls stretch, the organ fills with gases, and strong rumbling may occur. In order for the full effect to develop, a person must drink a lot of water, which is not always possible. An obstacle to this can be various diseases of the urinary system and not only.
- Contraindications. Pregnant women should not take medications for constipation, as this increases the likelihood of spontaneous abortion. Fillers are prohibited for people with IBS, as well as bedridden patients, people with intestinal obstruction and diseases of the nervous system.
Side effects
Unlike tablets and suspensions, side effects from rectal suppositories are less common. However, allergic reactions are possible:
- itching, burning in the anal area;
- pain and cramps in the lower abdomen;
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- irritation of the mucous membrane;
- dehydration;
- addiction;
- washing away beneficial bacteria.
Mode of application
After washing your hands thoroughly with soap, cool them under running cold water. If the suppository has been stored in a warm place, place it in the freezer or refrigerator for a few minutes (this will make insertion easier, since most suppositories have a low melting point). Carefully remove the packaging and lubricate the candle with water-soluble lubricant or the anus with water.
Lie on your left side, leaving your left leg straight, and bend your right knee and pull it towards your chest. Lift the left buttock, opening the anal area. Carefully and slowly insert the suppository to a comfortable depth into the rectal ampulla. Insertion is also possible in a squatting position.
Remain in a lying position for 5 minutes, squeezing your buttocks with your hands to prevent the suppository from coming out. Afterwards, throw away the packaging and wash your hands.
Useful tips for preventing and combating constipation
- After waking up, half an hour before your morning meal, drink a glass of water. This is necessary to prepare the stomach for digestion;
- Drink more fluids during the day - water, fruit drinks, compotes, herbal teas;
- It is useful to drink kefir before bed. This allows the intestines to prepare for the working day;
- Regularly eat fruits and vegetables, especially beets, prunes, cabbage;
- Eat small portions several times a day, avoid late meals;
- To prevent constipation, you should exclude flour, sweet, fried, and smoked foods from your diet;
- Go to the toilet on time;
- Move more.
If you have problems with bowel movements, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause. Self-medication, as a rule, only aggravates the situation. To prevent bowel difficulties, proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, and try to avoid stressful situations are important.
For pregnant
We have already talked about what kind of candles should be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women, but it is worth dwelling on this topic in more detail.
The most suitable and gentle suppositories are “Calciolax” and “Ferroplex”. For such girls, there is a special restriction in intake that does not allow the use of more than one candle every three days. It is also very important that your attending physician supervises the mandatory intake of “auxiliary” medications. Sometimes after birth, mothers are also prescribed special suppositories with calendula or propolis herbs.