Constipation Flashcards
What are 4 symptoms of constipation?
- Pain/difficulty passing stools
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Bloating
Does constipation require a counselling room?
Yes
What are 10 red flags for referral with constipation?
- Blood or mucous in stool to particularly tarry, red or black stools.
- Constipation alternating with diarrhoea
- Tenesmus - a continuous feeling of the need to defecate
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- A sudden change in bowel habits > 2 weeks
- Constipation persisting after 1 week or laxative use or 2 weeks of dietary modification
- Laxative misuse suspected
- Constipation presenting as a new symptom that is not attributable to changes in diet, lifestyle, medication or medical condition.
- Constipation in infants < 3 months, to exclude organic causes such as Hirschsprung’s disease.
Does constipation have a PSA self-care card?
Yes (Constipation)
What is the preferred over-the-counter treatment option for constipation in children and non-pregnant adults?
Osmotic Laxatives (such as macrogol)
What are the directions for Movicol (macrogol) for adults and children over 12 years in constipation?
Use 1 to 3 sachets of Movicol Original daily
What are the directions for Movicol (macrogol) for children aged 6 - 11 years?
Use 2 sachets of Movicol Junior daily (up to a maximum of 4 sachets daily)
What are the directions for Movicol (macrogol) for children aged 2 - 5 years?
Use 1 sachet of Movicol Junior daily (up to a maximum of 4 sachets daily)
What are 6 non-preferred over-the-counter options for constipation in children and non-pregnant adults and why?
- Lactulose: less likely to be tolerable
- Glycerol suppositories: less likely to be tolerable
- Saline enema (Microlax): only necessary in advanced constipation
- Stimulant laxatives (senna): can cause “laziness” of the bowel
- Coloxyl (docusate 50 mg): Unsafe in children under 3
- Poloxamer: unlikely to be of significant effect
Are osmotic laxatives (such as macrogol) safe in pregnancy?
Yes (in occasional doses)
Are osmotic Laxatives (such as macrogol) safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
What is the age range for Osmotic Laxatives (such as macrogol)?
Safe in children over 2 years
What is the preferred over-the-counter treatment option for constipation in pregnant women?
Stool softeners (such as Coloxyl [docusate 50 mg])
What are the directions for Coloxyl (docusate 50 mg) in constipation in patients over 12 years?
1-3 tablets once to twice daily. Maximum of 10 tablets daily in divided doses
What are the directions for Coloxyl (docusate 50 mg) in constipation in children aged 6 to 12 years?
1-3 tablets once daily
What are the directions for Coloxyl (docusate 50 mg) in constipation in children aged 3 to 6 years?
1 tablet once daily