Rational use of drugs for chronic constipation in middle-aged and elderly people

Chronic constipation

It is a common problem faced by middle-aged and elderly people.

Currently, the main treatments for chronic constipation include

Non-drug and drug treatments

Non-drug treatment

Non-drug treatment plays an important role in the treatment of chronic constipation. Chronic constipation can be relieved in some patients by improving their lifestyle and diet.

The specific measures are:

①Diet: Increase the intake of fiber and water. It is recommended to consume 25-35 grams of dietary fiber per day. On this basis, drink at least 1.5-2.0 liters of water per day.

②Moderate exercise: Moderate exercise helps stimulate gastrointestinal motility and may be more beneficial for elderly patients who have been bedridden for a long time and have little exercise.

③ Establish good bowel habits: Colon activity is most active when waking up in the morning and after meals. It is recommended that patients try to defecate within 2 hours after waking up in the morning or after breakfast. Concentrate on defecation and reduce interference from external factors.

Drug treatment

Patients who do not respond well to non-drug treatments should use medications for treatment under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist. It should be noted that drug treatment should not be used for unexplained constipation, and it is even more inappropriate to use it on your own for constipation caused by intestinal obstruction or suspected intestinal obstruction. At the same time, the effective doses of drugs for the treatment of chronic constipation may vary greatly in different populations. Therefore, for the sake of effectiveness and safety of medication, drugs for the treatment of chronic constipation should be used under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist to ensure good treatment effects and avoid adverse drug reactions.

Commonly used medications for chronic constipation include:

Bulk laxatives: They have a laxative effect by retaining water in the stool, increasing the water content and volume of the stool. They are mainly used for patients with mild constipation. Commonly used drugs include psyllium and calcium polycarbophil. Sufficient fluids should be supplemented when taking the medicine to ensure the therapeutic effect.

Osmotic laxatives: They can form a hypertonic state in the intestine, absorb water, and stimulate intestinal peristalsis. They can be used for patients with mild to moderate constipation. Commonly used drugs include polyethylene glycol, lactulose, and magnesium sulfate. It should be noted that this type of drug may cause diarrhea, and it is not advisable to adjust the dose by yourself. At the same time, it may also cause electrolyte disorders, and electrolyte status needs to be monitored during long-term medication.

Stimulant laxatives: act on the enteric nervous system, enhance intestinal motility and stimulate intestinal secretion. This type of drug includes bisacodyl, anthraquinone drugs, etc. It should be noted that long-term use of stimulant laxatives may cause irreversible intestinal nerve damage, further aggravating constipation. At the same time, long-term use of anthraquinone laxatives can cause colon melanosis. Therefore, this type of drug is only recommended for short-term, intermittent use.

Prokinetic drugs: act indirectly or directly on smooth muscle, increase intestinal motility, improve intestinal motility, and achieve the effect of treating constipation. However, this type of drug (linaclotide) may have special requirements when taken, and must be used under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist. At the same time, read the drug instructions carefully to avoid adverse drug reactions.

Enemas and suppositories: Administered through the anus, they lubricate and stimulate the intestinal wall, soften the stool, and make it easier to pass. They are suitable for temporary use by patients with dry stools. Due to the special method of administration, they may damage the intestinal mucosa, so they are only suitable for short-term use.

Probiotic preparations: Certain probiotic preparations may play a certain role in relieving chronic constipation and can be used as an auxiliary treatment for chronic constipation.

If the above methods under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist still cannot relieve the condition, you should go to a professional medical institution for further diagnosis and treatment.