MHRA advice: Stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl, senna and sennosides, sodium picosulfate) available over-the-counter: new measures to support safe use (August 2020) (www.gov.uk).

Refer to NICE guidance and patient information at www.nhsinform.co.uk.

SENNA/SENNOSIDES

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Tablets 7·5mg

Dosage:

By mouth, 2 to 4 tablets, usually at night, initial dose should be low then gradually increased.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Syrup 7·5mg/5mL

Dosage:

By mouth, 10 to 20mL syrup, usually at night, initial dose should be low then gradually increased.

BISACODYL

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Enteric coated tablets 5mg

Dosage:

By mouth, for constipation, 5mg to 10mg at night.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Suppositories 5mg, 10mg

Dosage:

By rectum, 10mg in the morning.

DOCUSATE

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Capsules 100mg

Dosage:

By mouth, Chronic constipation, up to 500mg daily in divided doses.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Liquid 12·5mg/5mL (for Paediatric use)

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Adult oral solution 50mg/5mL

Dosage:

By mouth, Chronic constipation, up to 500mg daily in divided doses.

GLYCEROL

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Suppositories 1 gram, 2 grams, 4 grams

Dosage:

By rectum, 1 suppository moistened with water before use.

CO-DANTHRAMER

Important: Therapy notes

For terminally ill patients only.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Suspension 25/200/5mL

Dosage:

Suspension, by mouth, 5 to 10mL at night

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Strong suspension 75/1000/5mL

Dosage:

Strong suspension, by mouth, 5mL at night

SODIUM PICOSULFATE

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Oral solution 5mg/5mL

Dosage:

By mouth, 5 to 10mL at night.

Editorial Information

Document Id: F236