Kindly suggest the most effective laxative for my mother's constipation.

Question

Hi 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.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

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

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

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

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

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

For further information consult a geriatrician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/geriatrician

Kindly suggest the most effective laxative for my mother's constipation.

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