Constipation

GENTLE RELIEF, EXPERT GUIDANCE

Constipation is uncomfortable, common and very treatable. Explore our pharmacist-curated range of gentle fibre supplements, effective osmotic laxatives and short-term stimulant relief, with every order checked by our pharmacy team and delivered discreetly to your door.

Shop constipation relief Supply of pharmacy medicines is subject to approval by our pharmacist.
  • Choose your products
  • Checked by our pharmacist
  • Delivered discreetly
  • GPhC-registered pharmacy
  • Confidential plain packaging

The condition

Understanding constipation

Constipation means passing stools less often than is normal for you, or finding them hard, dry and difficult to pass. There is no single normal, anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is typical, so the change from your own pattern is what counts. It is one of the most common digestive complaints in the UK, at every age.

Common causes include too little fibre or fluid, inactivity, ignoring the urge to go, travel, stress and pregnancy. Several medicines cause it too, including strong painkillers and iron supplements. Most constipation settles with simple changes and short-term treatment, and our pharmacy team can help you choose well.

Know the signs

Symptoms and when to seek help

You are likely constipated if any of the following sound familiar.

  • Going less often than is usual for you, or fewer than three times a week
  • Hard, dry or lumpy stools that are difficult or painful to pass
  • Straining, or feeling you have not fully emptied your bowel
  • Feeling bloated, sluggish or uncomfortable

When to see a doctor

Most constipation is harmless, but some changes need a doctor. See your GP promptly if any of the following apply.

  • Blood in your stool, or black, tarry stools
  • A change in bowel habit lasting more than a few weeks, especially over 50
  • Unexplained weight loss or tiredness alongside bowel changes
  • Constipation alternating with diarrhoea
  • Severe pain, a swollen tummy, or constipation after starting a new medicine

Go to A&E or call 999 if you have severe tummy pain with vomiting and cannot pass stools or wind, as this can mean a blocked bowel. These checks are about ruling serious causes out, and for most people they will be. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, call NHS 111.

Our clinic model

How it works at Medicosmetic

Choose your products

Browse the range and pick what suits you. For pharmacy medicines you answer a couple of quick questions at checkout, which takes under a minute and keeps your order safe.

Checked by our pharmacist

Our pharmacist at Erdington Community Pharmacy reviews your answers and approves supply only if the product is appropriate for you. If something better suits your situation, we will say so.

Delivered to your door

Your order is packed at our pharmacy and posted in plain packaging with tracking. Need advice instead of products? Call us on 0121 382 7477 and speak to the team.

Laxatives are for short-term use. If you find you need them regularly, tell our pharmacist or your GP, because ongoing constipation deserves a proper review rather than repeat purchases. You are not charged for anything that is not supplied.

Start your form

Evidence-based options

Treatment approaches

Start with the basics, because they genuinely work. More fibre from fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, more fluids, regular movement, and going when your body asks rather than putting it off. Raising your feet on a small stool while on the toilet helps many people too. When you need extra help, laxatives come in types that work differently. Bulk-forming fibre supplements are the gentlest first choice and take a few days. Osmotic laxatives draw water into the bowel and typically work within one to three days. Stimulant laxatives prompt the bowel to move and work in six to twelve hours, best taken at night for a morning result.

All laxatives are intended for short-term use, and stimulant types especially should not become a habit, because the bowel can start to rely on them. They are never a weight-loss aid, and using them that way is harmful. If constipation keeps returning, is linked to a medicine you take, or you are pregnant, ask our pharmacist, who will point you to the gentlest option that works.

Compare your options

Choosing the right laxative

The main differences between laxative types are how they work and how quickly. The comparison below helps you choose, and our pharmacist checks every order of pharmacy medicines before supply.

Bulk-forming fibre (ispaghula husk)

From £X including delivery

  • How it's takenSachets or granules with plenty of water, once or twice daily
  • Starts workingWithin 2 to 3 days
  • LastsThe gentlest ongoing option

The first choice for most people. Works like dietary fibre, so drink plenty of fluids with it.

Shop this type

Osmotic laxatives (macrogol, lactulose)

From £X including delivery

  • How it's takenSachets or liquid, taken daily as directed
  • Starts workingWithin 1 to 3 days
  • LastsUse short-term only

Draw water into the bowel to soften stools. Effective and well tolerated, including in pregnancy for many women, subject to pharmacist approval.

Shop this type

Stimulant laxatives (senna, bisacodyl)

From £X including delivery

  • How it's takenTablets, usually taken at night
  • Starts workingWithin 6 to 12 hours
  • LastsShort-term use only, a few days at most

For when you need results by morning. Never for regular use or weight control, and our pharmacist checks every order.

Shop this type

Supply of pharmacy medicines is subject to approval by our pharmacist, and laxatives are intended for short-term use. If you need them regularly, speak to our pharmacist or your GP. Information above is factual and does not replace clinical advice.

Trusted care

Why Medicosmetic

GPhC-registered pharmacy

Medicosmetic is a trading name of Erdington Community Pharmacy (Premises No. 1107990). Verify on the GPhC register.

Named Superintendent Pharmacist

Mohammad Luqman Ghani (GPhC 2220694) oversees our pharmacy services.

UK-registered prescribers

Every form is reviewed by a clinician registered to prescribe in the UK.

Genuine UK-sourced medicines

Dispensed by our own pharmacy, never third-party marketplaces.

Discreet by design

Plain packaging, tracked delivery, and confidential handling of your information.

Straightforward next steps

If treatment is not suitable, we explain why and signpost you to the right care, usually your GP.

Common questions

Constipation FAQs

How often should you have a bowel movement?
Anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is within the normal range. What matters is a change from your own usual pattern, or stools becoming hard, dry and difficult to pass. If your pattern has changed for more than a few weeks without an obvious reason, especially if you are over 50, see your GP.
What helps constipation quickly?
For same-night results, a stimulant laxative such as senna taken at bedtime typically works within six to twelve hours, so by morning. Glycerin suppositories work faster still, often within an hour. For a gentler approach over a day or three, an osmotic laxative such as macrogol softens stools effectively. Our pharmacist can help you choose.
Which laxative should I choose?
Start gentle. Bulk-forming fibre such as ispaghula husk is the first choice for most people, taken with plenty of fluids. If that is not enough, an osmotic laxative such as macrogol is the usual next step. Stimulant laxatives are for short-term use when you need a prompt result. If in doubt, answer the questions at checkout honestly and our pharmacist will guide you.
Can I take laxatives every day?
Bulk-forming fibre can be used ongoing, like a dietary supplement. Osmotic and especially stimulant laxatives are for short-term use, because the bowel can start to rely on stimulants, making things worse over time. If you find you need laxatives regularly, that is a sign to speak to our pharmacist or your GP rather than keep buying them.
Why am I constipated?
The usual suspects are too little fibre or fluid, inactivity, ignoring the urge to go, travel and stress. Pregnancy commonly causes it, and so do several medicines, including strong painkillers and iron supplements. If your constipation began after starting a new medicine, mention it to our pharmacist or your GP, because there is often a simple fix.
Is constipation common in pregnancy, and what is safe to take?
Very common, thanks to hormonal changes and iron supplements. Start with fibre, fluids and gentle activity. Bulk-forming fibre is generally the first choice, and some osmotic laxatives are widely used in pregnancy too. Tell us you are pregnant when ordering, and our pharmacist will confirm what is appropriate for you before supply.
When is constipation something serious?
Usually it is not, but see your GP promptly for blood in your stool, black tarry stools, a bowel habit change lasting more than a few weeks, unexplained weight loss, or constipation alternating with diarrhoea. Severe pain with vomiting and inability to pass wind needs emergency care. These checks exist to rule serious causes out, and for most people they will be.

Relief is simpler than you think

Choose the right product for you, let our pharmacist check your order, and have it delivered discreetly to your door. Not sure where to start? Call our team on 0121 382 7477.

Shop constipation relief