What medications are there for constipation?
The most common treatment for constipation is laxatives, of which there are two types: osmotic and stimulant laxatives. The osmotic ones draw water into the stools to make them softer and easier to pass, and stimulant laxatives induce bowel movements by making the intestinal muscles contract.
For mild constipation, over the counter treatment usually works well enough. These include senna, glycerin suppositories, and bisacodyl.
For more severe cases that result in faecal impaction, you might need an enema, strong laxatives, suppositories, or a manual procedure to remove the impacted faeces. If constipation leads to haemorrhoids, there are various ointments and suppositories available that can help reduce the symptoms and the discomfort associated with them.
Is there a ‘best’ treatment for constipation?
Each individual person has specific health needs, so the best constipation treatment for you might not be the same as what’s best for someone else. Increasing your fluid intake and the amount of fibre you eat on a daily basis can often ease constipation symptoms.
If making adjustments at home doesn’t help your constipation then there are plenty of treatments to choose from. You may prefer a treatment that’s taken as a drink or oral tablets may be easier for you. We have a variety of constipation treatments available at Treated and our clinicians should be able to help you decide on the best treatment for you.
If you use a constipation treatment and it does not help your symptoms then you should let the clinician know so that they can suggest an alternative.
If you’re severely constipated you should consult with a healthcare professional and follow their instructions.
Does constipation always need treatment?
Not always, it’s quite possible for constipation symptoms to resolve on their own, but this can depend on what’s causing it. Simply adding more fibre to your diet and increasing your fluid intake can get rid of constipation in some cases. But if constipation continues to cause you problems, you should seek treatment instead of waiting for it to possibly disappear.
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