Which is the most effective laxative for my elderly mother?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mother, who is 80 years old, has diabetes, high BP, and thyroid for the last 15 years. She is under control with medicines. She has had chronic constipation for the last 30 years and uses different laxatives. In the past year, her constipation has increased and even high doses of laxatives do not work properly. She has been using Duphalac, Smith, Milk of Magnesia, Softovac, etc. Kindly suggest the most effective laxative.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Chronic constipation in old age is common. She also has diabetes, which may also contribute to a decrease in bowel movements.

One should always rule out stool impaction in the large bowel in the elderly.

My advice is to ask her to take plenty of water, small, frequent meals, a low-fat and plenty of fiber-rich diet.

I suggest Laxopeg sachet (Polyethylene glycol) with water once to thrice a day.

If it still persists, then I suggest Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) two tablets at night as and when required.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.