Formulary

1.6.2 Stimulant laxatives

First Line
Second Line
Specialist
Hospital Only
SELF-CARE: NHS England has published guidance for various common conditions for which over the counter (OTC) items should not be routinely prescribed in primary care. One of these conditions is infrequent constipation.

Many of these products are cheap to buy and are readily available OTC along with advice from pharmacies. Some self-care medicines are available from shops and supermarkets. 

Excessive use of stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhoea and related effects such as hypokalaemia; risk of electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use (in children).

Bisacodyl
  • Gastro-resistant tablets 5mg (£3.74 = 60 tabs)
  • Suppositories 10mg (£2.99 = 12 suppositories)
  • Suppositories 5mg (paediatric) (£1.11 = 5 suppositories)

Indications and dose

Notes

  1. Time to effect: 10-12 hours orally, 20-60 minutes rectally
  2. The tablets are licensed for use in children aged 4 years and older.
  3. The usual maintenance dose is half the disimpaction dose.
Senna

(Sennoside)

  • Tablets 7.5mg (£1.16 = 60 tabs)
  • Oral solution sugar free 7.5mg/5ml (£10.09 = 500ml)

Indications and dose

Notes

  1. Do not prescribe the 15mg OTC tablets due to higher acquisition cost
  2. Time to effect: 8-12 hours
  3. Licensed only for short term use.
  4. Efficacy is decreased with continued use
  5. Syrup not licensed for use in children under 2 years and tablets not licensed for use in children under 6 years.
  6. The usual maintenance dose is half the disimpaction dose.
Docusate sodium
  • Capsules 100mg (£2.14 = 30 caps)
  • Paediatric oral solution sugar free 12.5mg/5ml (£26.89 = 300ml)

Indications and dose

Notes

  1. Time to effect: 1-2 days
  2. Adjust dose according to response
  3. Has a relatively weak stimulant effect, but also stool-softening properties.
  4. Only the liquid formulation is licensed for use in children younger than 12 years of age.
Glycerol
  • Suppositories 4g (£2.03 = 12 suppositories)

Indications and dose

Notes

  1. Time to effect: 15-30 minutes
  2. Lubricating and weak stimulant. Can be used for hard or soft stools.
  3. Licensed for occasional use only
Lecicarbon
  • Lecicarbon A Suppositories (£8.20 = 10 suppositories) – For use in adults
  • Lecicarbon C Suppositories (£8.20 = 10 suppositories) For use in children

Indication and dose

Notes

  1. Lecicarbon suppositories contain soya lecithin and are contraindicated in patients who have peanut or soya allergies.
  2. The routine commissioning of Lecicarbon A suppositories is accepted in Devon for the management of chronic constipation. (see Commissioning Policy for more details).
Co-danthramer

(Dantron with poloxamer 188)

  • Oral suspension sugar free 25mg/200mg/5ml (£245.29 = 300ml)
  • Strong oral suspension sugar free 5mg/1000mg/5ml (£503.98 = 300ml)

Indications and dose

Notes

  1. For use in palliative care only
  2. Time to effect: 6-12 hours
  3. Patients should be warned that it discolours the urine.
  4. Prolonged contact with the skin (eg. faecal or urinary incontinence) can cause a dantron burn
Co-danthrusate

(Dantron with docusate sodium)

  • Oral suspension sugar free 50mg/60mg/5ml

Indications and dose

Notes

  1. For use in palliative care only
  2. Time to effect: 6-12 hours
  3. Patients should be warned that it discolours the urine.
  4. Prolonged contact with the skin (e.g. faecal or urinary incontinence) can cause a dantron burn