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    • Jan 11, 2021
    • 2 min read

Laxatives Explained: Bulk Forming Laxatives – Part 3

Updated: Jan 12, 2021

Normacol and constipation



Bulk Forming Laxatives

Normacol




Normacol is a bulk forming laxative. It contains Sterculia which works similarly to natural foods such as flaxseeds and psyllium husks. As it is not absorbed, it softens and bulks up the stool and by doing so stimulates bowel movement. It can be useful for those with a low intake of food or fibre. Plenty of water should also be included in the diet with these laxatives.

However, if faecal impaction is an issue, adding bulk to the stools can make the issue worse and more uncomfortable.

Dose: The recommended dose for adults is 1 or 2 sachets or 1-2 heaped 5ml spoonfuls, once or twice daily after meals. It is usually effective around 12 hours after administration.



Colon Hydrotherapy compared to Bulk Forming Laxatives


Colon hydrotherapy can be a useful adjunct to the addition of bulking agents to the diet. A colonic can help to clear constipation and any impacted stools prior to increasing fibre intake, therefore preventing making the issue worse. The addition of natural bulking agents such as flaxseeds or psyllium husks along with plenty of water is usually beneficial following a colonic.


Read the next part of the series that explains stimulant laxatives you may find in a pharmacy and how they compare to colon hydrotherapy



Click here to book your colon hydrotherapy session today.



References:


1. HSE.ie. 2020. Introduction - HSE.Ie. [online] Available at: <https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/l/laxatives/> [Accessed 5 November 2020].

2. nhs.uk. 2020. Laxatives. [online] Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laxatives/> [Accessed 10 November 2020].

3. Hpra.ie. 2020. [online] Available at: <https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/Licence_PA1336-006-005_01112019103933.pdf> [Accessed 5 November 2020].

4. nhs.uk. 2020. Lactulose: Laxative To Treat Constipation. [online] Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lactulose/#:~:text=How%20does%20lactulose%20work%3F,their%20brain%20(hepatic%20encephalopathy)> [Accessed 5 November 2020].

5. Medicines.ie. 2020. Lactulose 10 G / 15 Ml Oral Solution Sachets | SPC | Intrapharm Laboratories Limited | Medicines.Ie. [online] Available at: <https://www.medicines.ie/medicines/lactulose-10-g-15-ml-oral-solution-sachets-32625/smpc> [Accessed 5 November 2020].

6. Hpra.ie. 2020. [online] Available at: <https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/LicenseSPC_PA0823-046-001_13032018163036.pdf>


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