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Chronic Constipation . Starting A Few Months Ago, I Have
Posted on
Mon, 21 Oct 2019
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 21 Oct 2019
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : chronic constipation.
Starting a few months ago, I have had constant constipation. I know the usual remedies such as fibre,
more fluids etc. I have tried stool softeners, but not much help.
Now I don't poop for days until I relieve with a home Fleet enema (usually 1 x week).
Do you recommend trying a chloride channel activator such as lubiprostone (Amitiza)?
Any side effects with my present medications?
Thank you
Starting a few months ago, I have had constant constipation. I know the usual remedies such as fibre,
more fluids etc. I have tried stool softeners, but not much help.
Now I don't poop for days until I relieve with a home Fleet enema (usually 1 x week).
Do you recommend trying a chloride channel activator such as lubiprostone (Amitiza)?
Any side effects with my present medications?
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Safe to use.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for choosing "Ask a Doctor" service for your query,
If you feel relieved on taking lubiprostone definitely yes you can keep on taking it.
Its just a laxative and like any other laxative is usually well tolerated by most of the patients.
Lubiprostone acts locally within the intestinal tract, is rapidly metabolized, and has very low systemic bioavailability which is good thing.
As such the side effects are same as other commonly used laxatives which includes headache loose motions etc.
One suggestion
Take pysllium husk 10 gram three times a day.Soak it in 10 grams of water(luke warm) and have it three times a day.This would really help you a lot. Ispaghula husk contains dietary fibre, which when mixed with water forms a gel-like mass that works as a mild laxative (medicine used to treat constipation). It moves down the digestive system and makes the stools softer by increasing their water content.
Hope i answered your query well,
Follow ups are welcome,
Do rate the answer,
Regards.
Safe to use.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for choosing "Ask a Doctor" service for your query,
If you feel relieved on taking lubiprostone definitely yes you can keep on taking it.
Its just a laxative and like any other laxative is usually well tolerated by most of the patients.
Lubiprostone acts locally within the intestinal tract, is rapidly metabolized, and has very low systemic bioavailability which is good thing.
As such the side effects are same as other commonly used laxatives which includes headache loose motions etc.
One suggestion
Take pysllium husk 10 gram three times a day.Soak it in 10 grams of water(luke warm) and have it three times a day.This would really help you a lot. Ispaghula husk contains dietary fibre, which when mixed with water forms a gel-like mass that works as a mild laxative (medicine used to treat constipation). It moves down the digestive system and makes the stools softer by increasing their water content.
Hope i answered your query well,
Follow ups are welcome,
Do rate the answer,
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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