Laxatives 💩
Reference guide for laxatives. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for constipation management in hospital inpatients.
Common Laxatives
Reference table for laxative medications
| Drug | Route | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lactulose | PO | 15–30 mL | bd | Osmotic; may cause bloating |
| Senna | PO | 7.5–15 mg | nocte | Stimulant; avoid in obstruction |
| Movicol (macrogol) | PO | 1–2 sachets | od–tds | Osmotic; mix with water |
| Bisacodyl | PR / PO | 10 mg (PR) | prn | Stimulant; quick effect |
| Fybogel (ispaghula husk) | PO | 1–2 sachets | od–bd | Bulk-forming; ensure adequate fluid intake |
| Glycerin suppository | PR | 1 suppository | prn | For softening hard stools |
| Phosphate enema | PR | 1 enema | prn | Avoid in renal impairment |
Lactulose
PODose:15–30 mL
Frequency:bd
Notes: Osmotic; may cause bloating
Senna
PODose:7.5–15 mg
Frequency:nocte
Notes: Stimulant; avoid in obstruction
Movicol (macrogol)
PODose:1–2 sachets
Frequency:od–tds
Notes: Osmotic; mix with water
Bisacodyl
PR / PODose:10 mg (PR)
Frequency:prn
Notes: Stimulant; quick effect
Fybogel (ispaghula husk)
PODose:1–2 sachets
Frequency:od–bd
Notes: Bulk-forming; ensure adequate fluid intake
Glycerin suppository
PRDose:1 suppository
Frequency:prn
Notes: For softening hard stools
Phosphate enema
PRDose:1 enema
Frequency:prn
Notes: Avoid in renal impairment