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 medicines
8,931 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 can you 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, see 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.

Night-time, weekends, public holidays

24/7 pharmacies for constipation

Constipation doesn't keep office hours. If you need a medicine at 2 a.m. or at the weekend, open the map with the 24/7 filter switched on and look for the nearest on-duty pharmacy. Large cities have dozens of pharmacies open around the clock — below you have direct access to the list for each city, with address, phone number and verified opening hours.

Call before you set off, especially at night — on-duty rotas change and stock of some prescription medicines can be limited between deliveries.

Search the pharmacy

Medicine categories for constipation

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for constipation

Open the interactive map and allow location access — you will immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it is night or the weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-duty ones. For constipation many medicines are available over the counter, so you can go straight to the pharmacy without a prescription, but check availability on the price comparator first to avoid wasted trips.

If you have a preferred active substance (for example paracetamol or ibuprofen), search for it in the comparator before you leave — you will see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it is in stock. If you have a repeat prescription, save your preferred pharmacy as a favourite in the app and turn on opening-hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially if treatment for constipation goes on for a while.

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Bloating

Bloating is the feeling of fullness and abdominal distension, often accompanied by gas. Causes: aerophagia, gas-producing foods, IBS, intestinal dysbiosis, constipation.

 Symptom

Indigestion

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is discomfort in the upper abdomen — a feeling of fullness, bloating, nausea, burning, epigastric pain after meals.

 Symptom

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in the rectum/anus. Internal (above the dentate line — bleeding) or external (painful, thrombosed). They affect 30-50% of adults.

 Condition

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism = thyroid hormone deficiency. Main cause — Hashimoto autoimmune thyroiditis. Symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, depression, bradycardia.

Frequently asked questions

What else would you like 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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