Home Symptoms Constipation

Constipation — what to take?

Constipation = fewer than 3 bowel movements per week, hard stools, straining to pass. It affects 15-20% of the population, especially women, the elderly, and sedentary people.

Also known as: slow transit no bowel movement infrequent stools
5 recommended OTC drugs
8,260 pharmacies available

In short: Constipation means fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard stools and straining, and is more common in women, older adults and sedentary people. OTC options work in different ways: osmotic laxatives (lactulose, macrogol), water-retaining fibre (psyllium), a stimulant laxative (bisacodyl) or glycerin suppositories. On HartaFarmacii you can compare the price of these options across major pharmacies — Dr. Max, Tei, Catena, HelpNet — with prices updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation; see a doctor if new constipation persists after age 50.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — no prescription

What you can take for constipation

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to see a doctor

If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:

  • New persistent constipation over the age of 50
  • Blood in the stool or black stools
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Severe abdominal pain with distension
  • Alternating constipation and diarrhoea

Types of constipation

Functional constipation (with no organic cause) is the most common — a diet low in fibre, a sedentary lifestyle, insufficient hydration. Secondary constipation arises from diseases (hypothyroidism, diabetes, Parkinson's) or medications (opioids, anticholinergics, iron).

Step-by-step OTC treatment

First line — bulk-forming laxatives: psyllium (Metamucil, Mucofalk), flaxseed. They increase stool volume and stimulate peristalsis. Take with plenty of fluid. Effect within 1-3 days.

Second line — osmotic laxatives: lactulose (Duphalac), macrogol (Forlax, Movicol). They draw water into the bowel. Safe for long-term use and can also be given during pregnancy.

Third line — stimulant laxatives: bisacodyl (Dulcolax), senna. They stimulate peristalsis. Use occasionally, not chronically (risk of lazy bowel).

Glycerin suppositories — rapid effect (5-30 min).

Non-pharmacological measures

  • 25-30g of fibre per day: vegetables, fruit, whole grains.
  • At least 1.5-2 litres of water per day.
  • Daily movement — 30 min of walking activates transit.
  • Respond to the urge to defecate, do not postpone it.
  • Physiological position — raised feet (a footstool) make evacuation easier.

When medical evaluation is needed

New-onset constipation over the age of 50, weight loss, blood in the stool, iron-deficiency anaemia, a family history of colorectal cancer — all of these require a colonoscopy.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

Medicines compared

Medicines used for constipation

This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Search the pharmacy

Medicines for constipation

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for constipation

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For constipation most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.

If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for constipation runs over weeks.

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Balonare

Balonarea e senzația de plin și distensie abdominală, adesea cu gaze. Cauze: aerofagie, alimentație bogată în gaze, IBS, disbioză intestinală, constipație.

 Symptom

Indigestie

Indigestia (dispepsia) e disconfort în partea superioară a abdomenului — senzație de plin, balonare, grețuri, arsuri, durere epigastrică după masă.

 Symptom

Hemoroizi

Hemoroizii sunt vene dilatate la nivelul rectului/anusului. Interni (deasupra liniei dentate — sângerare) sau externi (dureroși, trombozați). Afectează 30-50% adulți.

 Condition

Hipotiroidism

Hipotiroidismul = deficit de hormoni tiroidieni. Cauza principală — tiroidita autoimună Hashimoto. Simptome: oboseală, îngrășare, constipație, piele uscată, depresie, bradicardie.

Frequently asked

What else do you want to know?

How long is it normal to go without a bowel movement?
Normal: from 3 per day to 3 per week. Constipation = fewer than 3 per week, hard stools, considerable straining.
Are laxatives dangerous?
Bulk-forming and osmotic ones are safe for long-term use. Stimulant ones used chronically lead to dependence.
Can I take Dulcolax every day?
No — for a maximum of 7-10 consecutive days. For chronic constipation, use lactulose or macrogol.
How quickly does a laxative work?
Glycerin suppository: 15-30 min. Oral bisacodyl: 6-12h. Lactulose: 24-48h. Bulk-forming laxatives: 1-3 days.

See also

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