| Laxative Type | When to Use | When to avoid | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk-forming laxatives | Diverticulitis, dietary fibre insufficiency | Ispaghula husk (Fybogel), Methylcellulose (Celevac) | |
| Osmotic laxatives | Opioid induced constipation | Lactulose (Duphalac), Macrogol (Movicol) | |
| Stimulant laxatives | Diverticulitis | Senna (Senokot), Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) | |
| Surface-wetting | When people can’t increase fluid intake | Docusate sodium (DulcoEase) | |
| Lubricant laxatives | Haemorrhoids | Liquid Paraffin (Paraffinum perliquidum) | |
| Prokinetic agents | Chronic constipation, bowel disorders | Prucalopride (Resolor) |
Movicolis first line for idiopathic constipation
Do not prescribe laxatives if there is suspected: obstruction or perforation, paralytic Ileus, colonic atony or faecal impaction, Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, toxic megacolin, severe dehydration (bisacodyl), galactosaemia (lactulose), history of peanut sensitivity (arachis oil enema).
Movicol has high sodium content, so consider in Electrolyte imbalance.