What Causes Constipation While On Lactulose?

Posted on Fri, 14 Jul 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 14 Jul 2017 Answered on

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : After taking Linzess for a couple days along with a stool softner and i feel urge to go to the bathroom but why doesnt any stool come out?

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Add a laxative like lactulose for 1 week.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing HCM.
Linzess works by increasing intestinal fluid secretion, which helps ease the passage of stools and relieve the symptoms of constipation but you need a laxative to help you excrete softened stools.Laxative are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements.They irritates the intestinal mucosa hence causing expulsion of stools along with softening.

Initially i would recommend you to add a laxative like Lactulose 10 ml once daily before bed time for 1 week along with medicines you are on.
Follow up after a week if the problem still persists.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T