Health problems can be quite delicate. Hardly anyone can admit that they suffer from constipation. However, there is no escape from this disease and it needs to be treated, fortunately, today pharmacies have a large selection of medications for this problem. They should be chosen carefully, paying attention to indications, contraindications and side effects, and this must be done on the recommendation of the attending physician.
To help you navigate this issue well, we decided to rank the best remedies for constipation. We decided to include drugs that are popular among patients and which are most often recommended by specialists. However, before we begin to analyze the composition of the drugs and the principle of their action, let's look at the main points that you should pay attention to when purchasing such drugs.
Which laxative is best to buy?
For irregular constipation in children and adults, for poisoning and other symptoms requiring immediate bowel movement, osmotic drugs are recommended. The expected effect from them appears within 1-2 hours, but taking in large doses often provokes diarrhea and nausea.
If you have constant problems with stool due to age-related intestinal atony, as well as after taking medications, anthraglycosides, diphenols, plant fibers and drugs that soften stool will help. Such drugs are usually taken in a course, and the effect after them occurs after 6-8 hours and lasts up to 3 days.
Constipation is an undesirable phenomenon with hemorrhoids, causing severe pain attacks, cracks and bleeding. If you have such an illness, you should not take fast-acting medications. It is better to choose preparations with prebiotics and complexes with plant fibers.
During pregnancy, anthraglycoside and osmotic laxatives are prohibited. For constipation, expectant mothers are prescribed lactulose-based complexes, which normalize the intestinal microflora, do not cause addiction or side effects, and are absolutely safe for the health of the unborn child.
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How to treat constipation in older people, how to prevent it and what to drink
If an elderly patient has already developed this malfunction of the body, then one should not carelessly use drugs with a laxative effect. You need to be aware of their features and perform competent actions. Let's look at this in detail.
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Treatment with medications
We do not recommend starting to search for and take medications on your own. They should be prescribed by a doctor after examination. What will be an effective assistant for one may not be suitable for another.
Let's look at some popular solutions:
- The most common method used to treat this condition is the ingestion of laxatives. A more serious type is annoying. They are used to urgently deal with a problem. In the second case, it is prescribed mainly due to intestinal atony.
- Another way is osmotic, which will retain water in the body. These are magnesium sulfate and Forlax.
- The safest of these are prebiotics. They are natural, smoothly and slowly affect the difficulty of stool, but the result obtained from taking them will last longer. Among the popular ones are Lactose and Inulin.
The best laxatives that irritate intestinal receptors
A group of drugs based on defenols and anthraglycosides irritates the receptors of the large intestine, due to which defecation occurs after 6-8 hours.
Such products do not interfere with the absorption of nutrients, so they are suitable for regular use for chronic constipation and age-related intestinal atony.
Such laxatives also have disadvantages. Thus, they form an addiction and often provoke stomach colic and flatulence.
Boehringer Ingelheim International GMBH "Dulcolax" - a mild laxative with a prolonged effect
4.9
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Laxative tablets contain 5 mg of diphenylmethane derivative. The drug is prescribed to adults and children over 4 years of age for chronic constipation caused by intestinal hypotension, as well as in preparation for operations.
The minimum daily dosage is 1 tablet, and for long-term treatment of an adult it can be increased to 10 mg.
Additional components of the composition are castor oil and vegetable wax. Long-term use of the drug and increasing the dose often provoke abdominal cramps, diarrhea, hypotension and dizziness.
Avoid taking Dulcolax during pregnancy, in case of intestinal obstruction and acute forms of abdominal diseases.
Advantages:
- Mild laxative effect;
- Provides bowel movement after 6 hours;
- Suitable for regular use;
- Can be prescribed from 4 years of age;
- Minimum contraindications;
- Affordable price (200 rubles).
Flaws:
- Contraindicated for pregnant women;
- Addictive.
Dulcolax is recommended for regular use for chronic constipation by people who do not have diseases of the digestive system. To avoid bowel movements at night, take the product before bed.
Senokot – herbal stimulator of intestinal motility
4.8
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A herbal laxative in tablet form is suitable for adults and children over 10 years of age. A product based on senna stimulates the peristalsis of the large intestine and ensures bowel movements after 8-12 hours.
The mild drug does not have a toxic effect, so it can be taken for a long time. The recommended daily dosage for adults is up to 4 tablets, while children are given the drug 1 capsule no more than 2 times a day.
Exceeding recommended doses leads to flatulence, nausea, stomach pain, dehydration and allergic reactions.
Taking Senokot during pregnancy provokes increased contractions of the uterus and can cause miscarriage.
Avoid this medicine if you have diseases of the cardiovascular system, as its long-term use provokes arrhythmia.
Advantages:
- Plant composition;
- Can be taken for a long period;
- At recommended dosages, adverse reactions are unlikely;
- Has a prolonged action;
- Suitable for children from 10 years old.
Flaws:
- Prohibited during pregnancy.
Senokot is a mild laxative for regular use, recommended for the treatment of age-related intestinal atony.
Herbion KRKA dd “Laksana” – bowel brush
4.8
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96%
buyers recommend this product
The herbal laxative contains 33.5 mg of senna bifolia leaves. The drug in tablet form stimulates the colon, ensuring bowel movements after 8 hours.
The drug is taken in the evening after meals, 1-2 tablets. The duration of treatment varies from person to person, but do not take the complex for more than 2 weeks without a doctor’s prescription.
Herbion Laxana is suitable for the treatment of constipation from the age of 12, but with a long course it becomes addictive and requires increasing dosages, which makes its use impractical.
The drug is contraindicated for pregnant women, intestinal obstruction and chronic stomach diseases. Do not exceed recommended doses to avoid allergic reactions, stomach pain, diarrhea, dehydration and heart rhythm disturbances.
Advantages:
- Plant composition;
- Soft action;
- Suitable for long-term use;
- In small doses it does not provoke adverse reactions;
- Affordable price (150 rubles).
Flaws:
- Addictive;
- Contraindicated for pregnant women.
Gerbion Laxana is a relatively safe laxative that can be taken for regular constipation if it is temporarily impossible to see a doctor.
Preventing constipation
To minimize the risk of fecal impaction formation, we recommend reducing or eliminating the following from your diet:
- cow's milk;
- chocolate;
- White rice;
- baked goods;
- kvass;
- mushrooms;
- alcohol;
- fast food;
- radishes and radishes.
Physical activity
To activate the digestive tract, you should move more. If a person is active, the more regular and better the trips to the toilet will be.
He needs to be sent for walks or to the pool, and insisted that he do gymnastics.
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Flax seeds
This is a useful product that is often used to combat delayed bowel movements. They can be added raw to food, drunk as an oil or as a decoction. The minimum course is 14 days.
Abdominal massage
If doing exercises is too difficult, use massaging to improve motor skills. This way relieves spasms and speeds up digestion. Self-massage is necessary for up to 10 minutes daily, gradually increasing the pressure.
Blood during bowel movements
This symptom signals several disorders of the gastrointestinal tract:
- inflammation;
- active reproduction of pathogenic flora;
- tumor formation;
- thinning of the walls of blood vessels;
- stomach or duodenal ulcer.
In any case, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Constipation and bloating
Quite often, difficulty in defecation is complemented by flatulence and accompanied by nausea. This significantly reduces appetite and increases gas formation.
Main reasons:
- bakery products;
- long feasts;
- a lot of fatty and fried foods;
- soda, kvass, beer.
Treatment should only be comprehensive. You need to do gymnastics, adhere to a diet, monitor microflora and, if necessary, take appropriate medications. Only a doctor can describe the action plan and correct it.
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Bran for therapy
A great way to stimulate the intestines and remove toxins. It is often used when there is little physical activity, but only if the difficulty is caused by temporary reasons that are not caused by serious internal lesions.
This is fiber that swells in the stomach and, moving through the gastrointestinal tract, collects waste, toxins and everything else that was stored on the walls. During prevention, you need to drink a lot of water, otherwise the process will be the opposite of what was expected.
Probiotics for stagnation in the digestive tract
These are beneficial bacteria that are found in foods and special preparations. It is important to include them in food to maintain normal microflora levels. Thanks to them, the flora remains viable and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the body.
The best osmotic laxatives
Osmotic laxatives contain salt derivatives, due to which they attract water from cells. This causes an increase in the volume of intestinal contents, stimulation of contraction of its walls, softening of the masses and their painless passage.
The effect of taking such medications is the fastest, but do not take them for long courses, otherwise you will get a salt imbalance and dehydration of the body.
Moscow pharmaceutical factory "Lavakol" - first aid for constipation
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Granules for preparing a solution based on macrogol and salts increase osmotic pressure in the intestine and enhance peristalsis.
The drug is indicated for irregular constipation in adults at a dosage of 2 sachets per day. The laxative effect occurs 1-3 hours after administration and lasts up to 2 days.
The drug is contraindicated in children under 18 years of age, with heart failure, intestinal obstruction, dehydration and gastric ulcers.
At the discretion of the doctor, Lavacol can be taken daily for up to 1 month, but without consulting a specialist, do not use it for more than 2 days in a row.
Due to insufficient clinical data on the safety of macrogol, avoid taking the medication during pregnancy and lactation.
Advantages:
- Quick effect;
- Suitable for occasional and course use;
- Can be used before x-ray examinations and operations;
- When taken once, there are no adverse reactions;
- Price 200 rubles.
Flaws:
- There is little clinical data on the safety of the active substance.
Lavacol in maximum dosages is usually prescribed before examinations and surgical interventions that require the absence of contents in the intestines. Taking 1-2 sachets of the complex is an effective and safe first aid for irregular constipation.
Valenta Pharm "Exportal" - a restorer of intestinal flora with a laxative effect
4.9
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98%
buyers recommend this product
An osmotic laxative is used for constipation, dysbiosis and hepatic encephalopathy. The product in powder form for preparing a suspension contains 500 g of lactitol monohydrate.
In the intestines, the product is transformed into organic acids, increasing, softening and facilitating the passage of feces. In addition to relaxation, the complex stimulates the proliferation of acidophilus bacteria, normalizing the intestinal microflora.
The drug can be prescribed to adults and children from 1 year of age, the minimum daily dosage is 5 g, the maximum is 20 g.
Exceeding these doses results in diarrhea, dizziness and dehydration. Unlike other osmotic drugs, the expected effect of Exportal is delayed and occurs within 12-24 hours.
Advantages:
- Suitable for occasional use;
- Prescribed to children from 1 year;
- Normalizes intestinal microflora;
- Used before examinations and operations;
- High efficiency.
Flaws:
- Delayed action.
Exportal is recommended for eliminating irregular constipation in children and adults with impaired intestinal microflora.
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Effective herbal remedies
Natural and safe laxatives that are not addictive include preparations based on psyllium husks. The substance contains coarse fibers that increase in volume due to the absorption of large amounts of liquid.
The following preparations are produced based on the husk of psyllium seeds:
- Mucofalk;
- Phytomucil is normal;
- Fibralax;
- Fibraxin;
- Fiberlex;
- Defenorm.
For chronic constipation, these herbal remedies can be taken for 1 month. After a week's break, it is possible to resume the course.
When using fiber-based laxatives, you should drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid per day. Otherwise, the product may cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
The best laxatives with plant fibers
Such preparations contain fiber from plants, fruits and cereals, necessary for the formation of feces and normal intestinal motility.
Safe products for regular use for chronic constipation normalize microflora, have a detox effect and prevent the formation of gallstones.
PharmaMed "Fitomucil Norm" - the key to normal intestinal function
5.0
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100%
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Powder made from crushed plum fruits and plantain seeds is a rich source of dietary fiber that normalizes intestinal motility.
Once in the body, they turn into a gel that softens the stool, making it easy and painless to pass.
The drug is recommended for children over 3 years of age, pregnant women, the elderly and anyone who suffers from chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, excess weight, obesity and dysbacteriosis.
Fitomucil is taken regularly, 1-4 teaspoons with a glass of liquid before or after meals. Due to its natural composition, the product has no adverse reactions, but refrain from taking it if you have intestinal obstruction and acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Advantages:
- Safe herbal composition;
- Minimum contraindications;
- Mild laxative effect;
- Can be taken regularly;
- Normalizes intestinal microflora;
- Used in complex therapy of obesity.
Flaws:
- Does not have an express effect.
Phytomucil is a safe food supplement that normalizes intestinal function and is suitable for almost every person.
Evalar "Fibralax" - a mild laxative for everyone
4.9
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98%
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Laxative from psyllium seeds in powder form is suitable for the treatment of episodic and chronic constipation, even for children, pregnant women and the elderly.
The product in powder form in individual packages must be taken 1 sachet up to 3 times a day.
For symptomatic treatment of constipation, take Fibralax for 2 days. The duration of therapy for chronic illness is 4 weeks.
The complex is contraindicated in case of diabetes mellitus and allergies to the active substance. When taking it for constipation, drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
Advantages:
- Plant composition;
- Painless defecation;
- Prolonged action;
- Minimal contraindications;
- Has no adverse reactions;
- Can be taken occasionally and long-term.
Flaws:
- The expected effect occurs only after 16-24 hours.
Fibralax ensures painless passage of stool for hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Defi Healthcare "Intestinorm" - plantain seed with detox effect
4.8
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editorial assessment
96%
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Plant dietary fiber has a mild laxative and detoxifying effect. Powder from crushed plantain is recommended for chronic constipation, obesity, allergies and skin rashes.
The drug is available in a sachet for single use. The contents of the sachet must be dissolved in 200 ml of liquid and taken before or after meals with a glass of clean water. Frequency of administration: 2-3 times a day.
The product can be taken from the age of 14, including during pregnancy and lactation. In addition to stimulating peristalsis, the complex has antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory effects.
Intestinorm is a safe food supplement that has no adverse reactions, but its use is contraindicated in case of intestinal obstruction and type 2 diabetes.
Advantages:
- Plant composition;
- Prolonged action;
- Mild laxative effect;
- Not addictive;
- Minimum contraindications.
Flaws:
- There is no quick effect.
Intestinorm is recommended for the treatment and prevention of constipation for people who are not suitable for synthetic laxatives.
What is constipation in older people, what to do about it
From a medical point of view, this is difficult bowel movement that occurs systematically. The act of defecation may be too rare for normal or incomplete. The terms “constipation” and “obstipation” have the same meaning.
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According to ICD-10, this is a disease, but more often it is classified as a symptom, as it sometimes indicates more severe diseases and impaired functionality of internal organs.
Rare or one-time difficulties are usually not taken into account. If you cannot go to the toilet for three or more days in a row, then this is defined as an acute pathology that must be urgently dealt with. If this happens regularly and is delayed each time, then this indicates intestinal obstruction or other inflammatory processes in the body - tumors or other neoplasms.
A chronic phenomenon is characterized by:
- more than six months of manifestations, repeating at least twice or three times in the last three months;
- weekly successful urges less than 3 times;
- lumpy, hard stools in each or every bowel movement;
- a feeling of incomplete emptying or blockage in a quarter of cases, both after visiting the sanitary room and during;
- ineffective desire to return to the toilet during the day in 25%;
- it is difficult to have a bowel movement, you have to push hard;
- Often you need to give an enema or take medications.
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Best emollient laxatives
This group of drugs acts in the small intestine, softening stool and improving intestinal motility.
The main active ingredients in such medications are vegetable oils and glycerin, and they should be taken occasionally for irregular constipation.
Emollient laxatives are recommended for bedridden patients, during the postpartum period, for heart attacks and other conditions when overexertion is contraindicated.
When used regularly, they slow down the absorption of nutrients by the intestines and increase the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer.
MosPharma "Glycelax" - relieves constipation in 20 minutes
5.0
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Glycerol-based rectal suppositories melt quickly under the influence of body heat and provide defecation within 20 minutes after the procedure.
Usually the drug is used once for acute and chronic atonic or hypotonic constipation. If necessary, treatment can last up to 7 days with a frequency of use of 1 suppository per day.
Glycelax is contraindicated for hemorrhoids, fissures, as well as inflammatory and tumor diseases of the rectum. The product stimulates the contractile function of the uterus, therefore it is prohibited for pregnant women.
Advantages:
- Express effect;
- Can be used for up to 1 week;
- If the recommendations are followed, there are no adverse reactions;
- Affordable price;
- Safe composition.
Flaws:
- There are contraindications;
- Does not have a prolonged effect.
Glycelax suppositories are a safe first aid remedy for occasional constipation. But do not use them regularly to avoid addiction and decrease the tone of the intestinal walls.
Materia Bio Profi - an alternative to osmotic laxatives
5.0
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Laxative suppositories with castor and cocoa oils are an emergency remedy for constipation, poisoning and the need to cleanse the intestines before medical procedures.
The drug softens stool and has an antispasmodic effect on the intestinal muscles, providing the expected effect within 30 minutes.
Suppositories are used rectally 1-2 times a day for no more than 3 days in a row. The list of contraindications for use includes stomach diseases, uterine and intestinal bleeding, chronic constipation, pregnancy, lactation and age under 12 years.
Advantages:
- Fast action;
- Affordable price (about 350 rubles);
- Have no adverse reactions;
- Safe composition;
- Soft action.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for regular use.
Castor suppositories are a safe analogue of osmotic laxatives, recommended for preparing the intestines for surgery and diagnostic procedures.
Severe constipation in an elderly person - what to do and how to urgently help with medications
Older people often try to self-medicate, sometimes in this way they create more problems in the body. It is better to entrust monitoring your health to a medical specialist who knows what to do.
Pills
There are medications whose purpose is to restore normal, regular bowel movements. Most often prescribed:
- Normaze and Prelax – soft, slow action;
- Guttalax and Senade - instant help.
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Laxative suppositories
Rectal suppositories begin to act quickly - within 5-30 minutes you will need to visit the sanitary room. And most importantly, they do not create unnecessary stress on the stomach.
To make it clearer for you, here is a table with laxatives:
| Main groups | Pharmacological affiliation | Drugs |
| Inorganic | Saline laxatives | Magnesium sulfate |
| Sodium sulfate | ||
| Carlsbad salt | ||
| Organic | Vegetable oils | Castor, almond oil |
| Preparations containing anthraglycosides | Buckthorn extract, rhubarb tablets, senna preparations (leaf, kafiol, Regulax cubes, Senade) | |
| Synthetic | Bisacodyl (Dulcolax), sodium picosulfate (Guttalax), hydrophilic colloids (Forlax, Fortrans), synthetic saccharides (Lactulose), petroleum jelly |
The best laxatives with lactulose
Laxatives with lactulose act slowly but surely, ensuring normalization of stools in 1-2 days. This substance stimulates the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria in the small intestine, increasing osmotic pressure and ensuring normal peristalsis.
Typically, medications of this group are prescribed to pregnant women, because constipation is common during this period, and other drugs can increase the tone of the uterus.
JSC Otispharm "Dinolak" - a safe laxative for children and adults
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A combined laxative with lactulose and simethicone normalizes the intestinal microflora, providing a mild laxative effect.
The complex in the form of a suspension has no age restrictions for use and is indispensable during pregnancy, but avoid taking it if you have diabetes.
The maximum daily dosage for children is 5 ml; adults are prescribed 30-45 ml. The duration of treatment is individual.
Exceeding recommended doses results in dizziness, nausea and diarrhea. But thanks to the presence of simethicone in the composition, Dinolak does not cause gas formation, unlike other products with lactulose.
Advantages:
- Safety;
- Has no age restrictions;
- Allowed during pregnancy and lactation;
- Not addictive;
- Does not cause bloating;
- Affordable price (300 rubles).
Flaws:
- Effective only when taken regularly.
Dinolak is a safe laxative recommended for pregnant women and people suffering from constipation due to impaired intestinal microflora.
Evalar "Lactulose Forte" - a prebiotic with a laxative effect
4.9
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buyers recommend this product
The laxative complex in individual sachets for one-time use is recommended for digestive disorders, increased gas formation and chronic constipation. The product for adults and children over 3 years of age is taken 1-2 sachets per day for up to 10 days.
The drug contains: lactulose, lactitol, fennel and chamomile extracts. This formula effectively softens stool, relieves spasms, alleviates unpleasant symptoms of hemorrhoids, normalizes intestinal microflora and improves intestinal motility.
The expected effect of taking the medicine is noted on the second day, and it persists even after the end of the therapeutic course. Lactulose Forte is an absolutely safe product that can be taken during pregnancy and lactation.
Advantages:
- Safe composition;
- Complex positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract;
- Prolonged action;
- Convenient release form;
- Allowed for children and pregnant women.
Flaws:
- Does not have an immediate effect.
Lactulose Forte is a laxative prebiotic recommended for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract at any age.
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Main causes of constipation and their symptoms
Older people are more likely to experience this difficulty. This is due to age-related changes, changes in hormonal levels, natural slowdowns in tone, thinning of the mucous membranes and decreased digestive activity.
Concomitant diseases can affect development:
- diabetes;
- hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones);
- improper diet, irregular meals;
- long-term use of medications due to chronic diseases.
A serious thing is a decrease in tone in the muscles of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. Let's talk about this in more detail.
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The best laxatives for children
Gas, colic, and constipation are common symptoms in infancy and early childhood that require emergency care.
In such cases, special laxatives for children will help, which do not have a toxic effect, do not provoke addiction and lazy bowel syndrome.
If a child has chronic constipation, it is dangerous to self-medicate, but if there are occasional difficulties with bowel movements, the following medications will quickly relieve the child from suffering.
Johnson&Johnson "Microlax" for children - for the little ones
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Microenemas for children from the first days of life to 3 years will quickly relieve constipation caused by immaturity of the digestive tract.
The drug in the form of a solution for rectal use contains sodium citrate, sorbitol and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate.
This formula stimulates the flow of water into the intestines, softening of stool and its painless passage within 10 minutes after the procedure.
Microlax is an emergency drug that has no side effects or contraindications. But using it for more than 2 days without consulting a doctor is not recommended.
Advantages:
- Convenient release form;
- Quick positive effect;
- Suitable from the first days of life;
- Does not give adverse reactions;
- Provides painless bowel movements.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for regular use.
Microlax, as an emergency remedy, is necessary in every home where a baby lives. In a few minutes it will relieve intestinal colic and constipation.
Severe constipation in an elderly person on bed rest - what to do and how to urgently help
If a man or woman cannot walk independently, then it will not be possible to do without enemas and other aids. It is important to provide proper round-the-clock care, proper nutrition and medications that will alleviate the condition.
Constant stagnation of feces will lead to intoxication and worsen health. Prolonged lying down seriously slows down peristalsis. As a result, pus and stones may form inside. If you cannot achieve a bowel movement with an enema or medication, you must call an ambulance.
It is often difficult for loved ones to organize their day in such a way as to spend a lot of time next to an older person. Therefore, many choose boarding houses, such as institutions of the “Zabota” network - here the staff will provide proper care, taking into account all the characteristics of the elderly resident. He won't have to be alone for long. We will adjust the diet taking into account individual characteristics, monitor the timely intake of medications, regularly measure blood pressure, temperature and, if necessary, blood sugar levels, and remind you to take medications.
When to see a doctor?
Constipation as an occasional occurrence should not cause unnecessary concern. Often the reason lies in poor nutrition, stress or a change in environment (moving, business trips, etc.), and eliminating the provoking factors solves the problem. However, if constipation continues regularly, this may indicate the presence of health problems, so in such a situation you should not postpone a visit to the gastroenterologist.
Particular attention to this problem should be paid to pregnant women, since excessive straining is contraindicated for them. In addition, constipation is fraught with the development of intoxication of the body, which is also completely unnecessary for a pregnant woman.
People prone to gastrointestinal diseases should also regard increasing constipation as a signal from the body that the course of the disease is worsening. Therefore, you should not expect that the problem will solve itself - in such situations, the help of a doctor is necessary.
Price
The cost of most drugs that help older people with chronic and acute constipation ranges from 300-500 rubles, if we consider probiotic syrups in small volumes (up to 300 ml). Candles with a laxative effect and microenemas can be found cheaper - for 30-100 rubles. (10 pcs.) depending on the composition and manufacturer. Approximate price picture for pharmacies in Moscow:
| Name | Price |
| Duphalac (syrup, 200 ml) | 286 rub. |
| Forlax (powder, 10*10 g) | 145 rub. |
| Bisacodyl (suppositories, 30*5 mg) | 24 rub. |
| Lactusan (syrup, 300 ml) | 280 rub. |
| Guttalax (drops, 15 ml) | 316 rub. |
Possible side effects
Before taking a laxative, you should consult with a specialist who will help you choose the most suitable remedy for the patient.
Older people should remember that sometimes medications can cause:
- diarrhea:
- nausea, vomiting;
- abdominal pain;
- gas formation, bloating, flatulence;
- convulsions;
- imbalance of electrolytes and water;
- allergies;
- general deterioration of health.
Medicines for bedridden people
Since in some cases the patient’s movement is limited or completely impossible, this contributes to the deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract and is often accompanied by constipation. The patient’s psychological discomfort aggravates the condition when he is embarrassed to go under himself.
Laxatives for bedridden patients should be used long-term and not cause discomfort.
The most effective combination of drugs is to improve peristalsis and laxation. Bedridden elderly people are often prescribed Motilium. It promotes the movement of the food bolus.
For laxatives, it is recommended to use enemas with the drug Microlax, RectActiv suppositories or Guttalax drops.
Non-addictive medications
If taking medications involves long-term treatment, then it is necessary to select drugs that are not addictive. Otherwise, the therapy will no longer be effective over time.
The group of harmless medications includes:
- Microlax . Liquefies intestinal contents and helps in its elimination. The drug is used to prepare a rectal enema, based on 5 ml of the drug per time of use.
- Phytomucil . The drug prevents the formation of a fecal bolus, which disrupts the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Every day you need to consume one sachet of herbal remedy diluted in water.
- Weak . Drops help irritate intestinal receptors.
Apparent frivolity
Constipation is a disorder of the intestines, in which the time intervals between bowel movements increase and the process of defecation becomes difficult.
Despite the seeming frivolity of this topic, constipation is a difficult problem. In developed countries of the world, from 30% to 50% of the working population are affected to one degree or another.
Given the sensitivity of the issue, people do not always talk about constipation, even when visiting a doctor for some other problem. Usually, those suffering from this disease turn to pharmacies for help, because almost all constipation remedies are available without a prescription.
Possible complications
If you do not tackle the problem of constipation in a timely manner, the risk of complications increases:
- the appearance of anal fissures - painful ruptures in the anal mucosa;
- the occurrence or exacerbation of hemorrhoids, bleeding from hemorrhoids;
- development of intestinal obstruction due to fecal impaction;
- prolapse of the rectum - protrusion of its inner membrane due to strong straining;
- acute vascular disorders due to intense muscle tension (hypertensive crisis, stroke).
So you don't need to push too hard. If all else fails, you should first use one of the laxatives. Under its influence, defecation will be faster and easier.
Attention! Some of the complications require emergency medical attention. If there is heavy bleeding from the rectum or loss of consciousness during straining, you should urgently call an ambulance.
The role of nutrition
Folk remedies and laxatives only temporarily eliminate the problem. To get rid of constipation, you need to eat right.
The daily menu should contain enough fiber, that is, fruits, vegetables, berries, herbs, cereals, dried fruits.
You can eat dry fiber from flax, pumpkin, wheat on an empty stomach, 1 tbsp. spoon with water. Fermented milk products are no less important.
Water helps thin stool, so limiting it can also be a cause of constipation.
Be sure to include in your diet:
- fruits: kiwi, apples;
- vegetables: zucchini, cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, seaweed;
- juices: plum, carrot, apple;
- berries: prunes, plums, grapes;
- bran, cereals.
It is worth giving up the daily use of sweets, fatty foods, and canned foods. In addition, you need to reduce your consumption of flour products.
Diet
So we are back to the topic of proper nutrition for constipation. Its basis is the presence in the diet of foods that contain fiber and also have a mild laxative effect. Here is an approximate list of what people who have problems with bowel movements should eat:
- Soups. The broth is either vegetable, or weak fish or meat. In serious cases, meat and fish broths are excluded from the diet. Preference is given to beetroot and borscht, since beets are a natural laxative for constipation in the elderly
- Meat – veal, poultry. Exclude pork and game
- Fresh fruits and vegetables. They are not only rich in fiber, but also loaded with vitamins, and this is important in old age.
- Dried fruits. Dried apricots, light raisins, and especially prunes are the best laxatives for constipation in the elderly.
- Eggs on the menu should be either scrambled or hard-boiled.
- Porridge – wheat, buckwheat, oatmeal (rice and semolina excluded)
- Fermented milk products, milk, cheese, butter
- Whole wheat bread
Products that should not be in the diet:
- Fresh baked bread
- Cocoa, strong coffee, tea, soda
- Chocolate
- Smoked, spicy, pickled food
