Common with opioids and reduced activity in advanced illness.
Prevent constipation from opioids through daily use of laxative
Drugs
Osmotic laxative
- PEG 3350 17-34g in juice daily
- lactulose 15-30ml daily or bid
Stimulant
- senna 1-3 tabs daily to bid
Suppository
- glycerin or bisacodyl
Softeners
- docusate not supported by evidence
Other therapies
Encourage:
- regular bowel routine
- privacy
- activity if possible
- oral fluids