If fibre and diet changes do not help, laxatives may help with constipation.
Types of laxatives used for IBS-C
|
Type of laxative |
How it works |
Examples |
|
Bulk forming laxatives |
Add gentle bulk and water to help poo move through the bowel |
Ispaghula husk (Fybogel), methylcellulose |
|
Osmotic laxatives |
Pull water into your bowel to make poo softer and easier to pass |
Macrogol (e.g. Movicol), Lactulose |
|
Stimulant laxatives (short-term use) |
Help your bowel move poo along |
Bisacodyl |
|
New research shows that senna (a type of stimulant laxative) does not work well for constipation. |
||
Some laxatives can take 2–3 days to start working.
⚠️ Important: Always talk to a pharmacist or GP before using laxatives regularly.
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