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Constipation - Management
When and how should I stop treatment for chronic constipation in adults?
- Laxatives can be slowly withdrawn when regular bowel movements occur without difficulty (e.g. 2–4 weeks after defecation has become comfortable and a regular bowel pattern with soft, formed stools has been established).
- The rate at which doses are reduced should be guided by the frequency and consistency of the stools. Weaning should be gradual in order to minimize the risk of requiring 'rescue therapy' for recurrent faecal loading. Laxative medication should not be suddenly stopped.
- If a combination of laxatives has been used, reduce and stop one laxative at a time. Begin by reducing stimulant laxatives first, if possible. However, it may be necessary to also adjust the dose of the osmotic laxative to compensate.
- Advise the person that it can take several months to be successfully weaned off all laxatives.
- Relapses are common and should be treated early with increased doses of laxatives.
- Laxatives need to be continued long term for:
- People taking a constipating drug that cannot be stopped.
- People with a medical cause of constipation.
Basis for recommendation
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