Pharmacist advice
Constipation
Constipation means stools are hard or less often than usual for you. Many people improve with fluids, fibre, and a short walk.
A pharmacist cannot prescribe for this from this page.
What usually helps
- Drink fluids through the day and add fibre from food. A bulk-forming fibre such as psyllium is a common next step.
- An osmotic laxative such as polyethylene glycol is often used for a short time when fibre is not enough.
- A stool softener such as docusate is sometimes used. A pharmacist can say whether it fits.
Talk to a pharmacist first
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- The person is under 12, unless the note below gives a different age.
- You take other medicines, or you have a long-term condition.
- Constipation has lasted more than a week, or you need a laxative often.
See a doctor or call 911
- Blood in the stool, black stool, or unexplained weight loss.
- Severe belly pain, vomiting, or no gas and no stool.
- Call 911 for severe pain with fainting, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
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Reviewed by a BC pharmacist.