CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Constipation - Management
Faecal loading: suppositories or mini-enemas
Age from 16 years onwards
Glycerol suppositories: 4g when required
Glycerol 4g suppositories
Insert one suppository into the rectum when required to relieve constipation.
Supply 6 suppositories.
Bisacodyl suppositories: 10mg when required
Bisacodyl 10mg suppositories
Insert one suppository into the rectum in the morning when required to relieve constipation.
Supply 6 suppositories.
Carbalax suppositories: one when required
Sodium acid phosphate 1.69g / Sodium bicarbonate 1.08g suppositories
Insert one suppository into the rectum when required to relieve constipation.
Supply 6 suppositories.
Docusate sodium enema: 120mg when required
Docusate 120mg/10g enema
Use one enema when required to relieve constipation.
Supply 1 enema.
Sodium citrate enema: 5ml when required
Sodium citrate compound 5ml enema
Use one enema when required to relieve constipation.
Supply 1 enema.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement