Page 58 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

01/11/2025, 22:08 Medication Errors & Constipation Management

7. Asking about times of meals

8. Checking current medication use
Whenever establishing treatment algorithm, determining the cause of referrals and

red flag is crucial to obtain effective treatment whether treatment will include

modification in dietary habit or drug intervention.

Non-Pharmacologic Therapy

Diet (increase fibers): The daily diet should contain approximately 25 to 50 g
fiber

Fluid intake: Patients should drink at least 8 glasses of non-caffeinated fluids
daily (including soup, juices and/or water). Liquids that contain caffeine, such as
coffee and cola drinks will worsen symptoms by causing dehydration.

Exercise: Increases muscle tone & promotes motility

Bowel training: To increase regularity (i.e., allowing regular and adequate time
for defecation)

Pharmacologic Therapy

Ideal Laxative Characteristics

Non-irritant
Non-toxic
Act only on descending and sigmoid colon
Produces a normally formed stool within few hours, after which normal bowel
activity resumes

Laxatives Classification Saline or osmotic
Stimulant
Bulk-forming laxatives Lubricant
Emollient (Stool softener)

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