Page 118 - COMMUNITY PHARMACY PRACTICE
P. 118
02/04/2024
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Key Points for Constipation
• Nonprescription laxative treatment should not be recommended if
exclusion criteria for selftreatment 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 selfmedication.
• Children: Constipation in children generally is defined as a delay or
difficulty in achieving bowel movements over a period of 2 weeks or
longer
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Key Points for Constipation
• Nonprescription laxatives approved for self-care in
children 2 to <6 years of age include oral docusate
sodium, magnesium hydroxide, and senna. Rectal use of
glycerin, mineral oil, or sodium phosphate products also is
approved in this age group
• For most cases of simple constipation, a balanced diet,
exercise, and adequate fluid intake are helpful.(non
pharmcological)
• Bulkforming laxatives and PEG 3350 as directed are first-
line laxative choices in most adults, but they may take up
to 72 hours to work.
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