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BNSSG Adult Joint Formulary
1.2 Constipation and bowel cleansing
Last edited: 02-05-2024
First line drugs |
Second line drugs |
Specialist drugs |
Secondary care drugs |
1.2.1 Bowel cleansing preparations
Magnesium-containing Drugs
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Citramag®
Osmotic Laxatives
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Moviprep®
Plenvu®
Stimulant Laxatives
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Sodium picosulphate with magnesium citrate (Picolax®, CitraFleet®)
Phosphate-containing Drugs
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Fleet Phospho-soda®
1.2.2 Constipation
BNSSG constipation guidelines
Bulk-forming Laxatives
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Ispaghula husk (Fybogel®)
Alternative: (TLS Blue)
Sterculia and Frangula (Normacol plus®)
Specific indication: (TLS Blue)
Methylcellulose
- For high output ileostomies
- Adequate fluid intake must be maintained to avoid intestinal obstruction
Magnesium-containing Drugs
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Magnesium hydroxide mixture, BP (TLS Green)
Opioid-receptor Antagonists (Peripheral)
Specific indications: (TLS Blue)
Methylnaltrexone
- Used as rescue therapy where the oral/rectal route is inappropriate, on the advice of Palliative Care
Naloxegol
Naldemedine
Osmotic Laxatives
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Macrogol oral powder, compound (TLS Green)
Lactulose
Specific indications: (TLS Blue)
Sodium citrate micro-enema
Phosphate-containing Drugs
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Phosphate enema
Selective 5HT4 Receptor Agonists
Specific indication: (TLS Blue)
Prucalopride
Softening Drugs
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Arachis oil enema
- Arachis oil enemas contain peanut oil - use is contraindicated in patients with peanut allergy.
Stimulant Laxatives
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Docusate sodium (oral)
Senna
Glycerol (glycerin) suppositories
Alternatives: (TLS Blue)
Bisacodyl
Specific indications: (TLS Blue)
Co-danthramer
Co-danthramer strong
Note: Long-term use of stimulant laxatives is not advised due to the potential for damaging the large bowel and the loss of muscle tone in the colon.
Other
Lecicarbon A suppositories (TLS Amber Specialist Recommended)
Specific indication: (TLS Red)
Peppermint oil enema
- For those patients undergoing colonoscopy who have glaucoma
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