Many people find that making changes to their diet and lifestyle can improve their symptoms. If these don’t help, laxatives are often used.33
Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation. There are several different types of laxatives, and they all have a different effect on your digestive system.33
These are used when stools are soft, but difficult to pass. This type of laxative stimulates the muscles in your digestive tract, helping them to move stools along more quickly. They’re usually only used on a short-term basis.33
These work by helping your stools retain water, making them softer, and easier to pass.33
Osmotic laxatives, such as Lactulose (Duphalac®) work by increasing the amount of fluid in the bowels. This softens yours stools and makes them easier to pass.33