- Lactulose: works by drawing water into your gut, making stools softer and easier to pass, and by squeezing and pushing food through your digestive system.
- Dulcolax (bisacodyl): helps to stimulate bowel movements. It comes in different forms, such as tablets and suppositories, and is commonly used for short-term relief of constipation.
- Fybogel (ispaghula husk): a natural fibre supplement. It works by bulking up the stool, making it easier to pass.
- Laxido: a laxative powder that you mix with water to create a solution. It contains macrogol 3350 which works by drawing water into your gut to soften your stool and make it easier to pass. It also has electrolytes to keep a good balance of water, potassium and sodium in your body.
- Senna: a natural laxative used for centuries to treat constipation. It stimulates your bowel muscles, promoting bowel movements. Another option is Senokot, which contains senna fruit extract and senna pods and is available as tablets or a syrup.
Your clinician might also recommend making some tweaks to your diet and lifestyle. Some simple tips include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Cutting down on alcohol
- Upping your fibre intake by adding some wheat bran, oats or linseed to your meals.