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02/11/2025, 00:10 Otic & Ophthalmic Disorders | Dermatological Disorders
Pharmaceutical Care for Constipation Patients
Systematic Approach:
1. Collect: Gathering of information (history)
2. Assessment: Differentiate patient's signs/symptoms and correctly identify the patient's primary
problem(s) and identify exclusions for self-treatment
3. Plan: Select an optimal therapeutic alternative to address the patient's problem, taking into
account patient preferences
4. Patient education: Provide comprehensive counseling on medication use, lifestyle
modifications, and when to seek further care
5. Evaluation of Patient Outcome: Follow up to assess treatment effectiveness and make
adjustments as needed
Key Points for Constipation Management
Nonprescription laxative treatment should not be recommended if exclusion criteria for self-
treatment are met. Patients meeting these criteria should receive medical referral.
Special circumstances and patient characteristics (e.g., pregnancy or age) should be considered
when assessing the need for self-medication.
Children: Constipation in children generally is defined as a delay or difficulty in achieving bowel
movements over a period of 2 weeks or longer
Constipation in Children
Nonprescription laxatives approved for self-care in children 2 to <6 years of age include:
Oral docusate sodium
Magnesium hydroxide Senna
Rectal use of glycerin, mineral oil, or sodium phosphate products also is approved in this age group
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