Symptom Finder - Treatment of Constipation
CONSTIPATION
Acute:
1. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): suppository 1 stat per anum and may repeat in 2 hours if no result.
2. Glycerin: suppository 1 stat and may repeat in 2 hours if no result.
3. Fleet phosphate or tap water enema.
4. Look for the cause (drugs, etc.).
Chronic:
1. Docusate sodium (Colace): 1–2 capsules daily or bid.
2. Psyllium (Metamucil) smooth texture: 1–2 teaspoon in glass of water daily to bid.
3. MiraLAX
4. Find the cause: Diet? Drugs? Laxative habit?
5. Study with colonoscopy or barium enema.
6. In refractory cases: Look for neurologic or psychiatric disorder.
Acute:
1. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): suppository 1 stat per anum and may repeat in 2 hours if no result.
2. Glycerin: suppository 1 stat and may repeat in 2 hours if no result.
3. Fleet phosphate or tap water enema.
4. Look for the cause (drugs, etc.).
Chronic:
1. Docusate sodium (Colace): 1–2 capsules daily or bid.
2. Psyllium (Metamucil) smooth texture: 1–2 teaspoon in glass of water daily to bid.
3. MiraLAX
4. Find the cause: Diet? Drugs? Laxative habit?
5. Study with colonoscopy or barium enema.
6. In refractory cases: Look for neurologic or psychiatric disorder.
