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Treatment area: constipation

Medically checked treatment for constipation

Laxatives such as bisacodyl or macrogol can help if bowel movements are infrequent, hard, or difficult. Our doctors will review your questionnaire to determine whether treatment with tablets or a powder to dissolve is suitable for you.

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  • online questionnaire
  • Medical examination
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Laxatives for constipation

Both medications are only available from pharmacies. After making your selection, you fill out the medical questionnaire, and a doctor decides whether and which treatment is suitable for you.

Selbst einschätzenAssess it yourselfFaire le point vous-mêmeZelf inschatten

Which remedy might be suitable?

  1. 1 If you only experience constipation occasionally and for a few days Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is taken in the evening as needed and is intended for short-term use. Your doctor will decide if it is suitable for you.
  2. 2 If your constipation has been present for a long time or keeps recurring Macrogol (Movicol) is intended for the treatment of chronic constipation. It is important that the underlying cause is medically determined. The doctor will decide which treatment is appropriate.
  3. 3 If you would rather not swallow tablets Movicol is taken as a powder dissolved in water and drunk. Your doctor will decide whether this form is suitable for you.
  4. 4 In cases of heart or kidney disease, a low-sodium diet, or the use of diuretics. Then a thorough examination is particularly important, because laxatives can affect the body's water and electrolyte balance. Please provide all information in the questionnaire. The doctor will decide.

Diese Hinweise helfen bei der Orientierung und ersetzen keine ärztliche Beratung. Ob und welche Behandlung für Sie geeignet ist, entscheidet der Arzt anhand Ihres Fragebogens.This guidance helps you get your bearings and does not replace medical advice. Whether a treatment is suitable for you, and which one, is decided by the doctor on the basis of your questionnaire.Ces indications vous aident à vous orienter et ne remplacent pas un avis médical. C’est le médecin qui décide, sur la base de votre questionnaire, si un traitement vous convient et lequel.Deze aanwijzingen helpen u op weg en vervangen geen medisch advies. Of en welke behandeling voor u geschikt is, bepaalt de arts aan de hand van uw vragenlijst.

Stimulant laxatives

Bisacodyl stimulates the movement of the large intestine and is intended for short-term use.

bisacodyl RezeptpflichtigPrescription onlySur ordonnanceUitsluitend op recept

Dulcolax (Bisacodyl)

Enteric-coated tablet containing bisacodyl, which stimulates bowel movement in the large intestine in cases of constipation.

WirkeintrittOnsetDélai d’actionWerkingsaanvang
6 to 12 hours
FormFormFormeVorm
Enteric-coated tablets

So wirkt es:How it works:Mode d’action :Zo werkt het: Bisacodyl is converted into its active form only in the large intestine. There, it stimulates bowel movements and increases the flow of water into the intestine. The stool becomes softer and is transported further more quickly.

Das kann für Sie passenThis may suit youCela peut vous convenirDit kan bij u passen
  • If you occasionally suffer from constipation
  • If there is no severe abdominal pain, no vomiting, and no blood in the stool
  • If a long-standing constipation has already been medically diagnosed
Anwendung & wichtige HinweiseUse & important informationUtilisation et informations importantesGebruik en belangrijke aandachtspunten

Anwendung:Use:Utilisation :Gebruik: If needed, take 1 to 2 tablets once in the evening with water, not with milk or antacids. Use only for short periods without first determining the cause.

Verfügbare Stärken:Available strengths:Dosages disponibles :Beschikbare sterktes: 5 mg

Not suitable for cases of intestinal obstruction, acute abdominal inflammation, or severe abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting. Not for long-term use without medical consultation and not for weight loss.

abfromà partir devanaf 35,44 € Endpreis, inkl. ärztlicher PrüfungFinal price, incl. medical reviewPrix final, évaluation médicale incluseEindprijs, incl. medische beoordeling
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Osmotic laxatives

Macrogol retains water in the intestines, softens stools, and is intended for chronic constipation.

Macrogol 3350 / sodium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / potassium chloride RezeptpflichtigPrescription onlySur ordonnanceUitsluitend op recept

Movicol (Macrogol)

Powder containing macrogol and salts that retains water in the intestines in cases of chronic constipation.

FormFormFormeVorm
Powder for solution for oral use

So wirkt es:How it works:Mode d’action :Zo werkt het: Macrogol 3350 retains water in the intestines. The stool becomes softer and more voluminous, thereby stimulating bowel movements. The active ingredient is hardly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Das kann für Sie passenThis may suit youCela peut vous convenirDit kan bij u passen
  • If you suffer from long-standing or recurring constipation
  • If there is no severe abdominal pain, no vomiting, and no blood in the stool
  • If a powder to dissolve in water is suitable for you
Anwendung & wichtige HinweiseUse & important informationUtilisation et informations importantesGebruik en belangrijke aandachtspunten

Anwendung:Use:Utilisation :Gebruik: Dissolve each sachet in 125 ml of water and drink; for constipation, usually 1 to 3 sachets per day. A course of treatment typically lasts a maximum of 2 weeks.

Verfügbare Stärken:Available strengths:Dosages disponibles :Beschikbare sterktes: 13,8 gr

Not suitable for cases of intestinal obstruction, perforation of the intestinal wall, and severe inflammatory bowel diseases. Consult a doctor beforehand if you have heart failure, kidney disease, or are on a low-sodium diet.

abfromà partir devanaf 54,01 € Endpreis, inkl. ärztlicher PrüfungFinal price, incl. medical reviewPrix final, évaluation médicale incluseEindprijs, incl. medische beoordeling
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RatgeberGuideGuideGids

What you should know about constipation

Constipation is common and usually harmless. Laxatives can relieve symptoms, but they do not replace a medical examination if constipation is new, persistent, or accompanied by warning signs.

What is constipation?

Constipation is defined as difficulty passing stools over a prolonged period. Typical symptoms include:

  • less than three bowel movements per week
  • hard, lumpy stools and strong straining
  • the feeling of not having completely emptied the bowels

Common triggers include lack of exercise, a low-fiber diet, insufficient fluid intake, travel, or suppressing the urge to defecate. Medications such as strong painkillers (opioids) or iron supplements, pregnancy, or conditions like hypothyroidism can also be contributing factors. If the symptoms persist for several months, it is considered chronic constipation.

How do laxatives work?

Laxatives facilitate bowel movements in different ways:

  • Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): Enteric-coated tablet that stimulates the movement of the large intestine; bowel movements usually follow after 6 to 12 hours.
  • Macrogol (Movicol): Powder for a drinking solution that retains water in the intestines and softens stools

Bisacodyl is intended for short-term use. Macrogol is intended for chronic constipation; a course of treatment usually lasts no more than two weeks. Laxatives relieve symptoms but do not eliminate the underlying cause. Therefore, diet, fluid intake, and exercise remain important.

Side effects and cautions

Common side effects include abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. If laxatives are taken too frequently or in excessively high doses, water and electrolytes such as potassium can be lost. This is especially true when used in conjunction with diuretics, cortisone, or heart medications like digoxin.

Laxatives are not suitable for use in cases of intestinal obstruction, acute abdominal inflammation, and severe inflammatory bowel diseases. Movicol contains salts; therefore, caution is advised for individuals with heart failure, kidney disease, or those on a low-sodium diet.

Laxatives do not help with weight loss and can cause serious harm if misused.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

An online inquiry is not intended for emergencies. Call emergency services immediately on 112 (Switzerland: 144) if:

  • very severe abdominal pain occurs, or the abdomen is hard and severely bloated.
  • Neither stool nor gas is passed and vomiting occurs.
  • Blood in the stool accompanied by circulatory weakness or fainting

You should consult a doctor promptly if you experience blood in your stool or black stool, fever with abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, or new or changed bowel habits after the age of 40. This also applies if constipation does not improve after one week of Dulcolax or after two weeks of Movicol.

Digestion in everyday life

Keep the bowels moving

For many people, digestion can be supported with simple habits. This requires some patience, as the gut adapts slowly. Fiber intake is best increased gradually to prevent bloating. It's also important to listen to the urge to defecate and take your time when using the toilet. A regular routine, for example after breakfast, can provide additional support for the gut.

  • Dietary fiber from whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes, along with drinking enough fluids throughout the day, unless medically contraindicated.
  • Regular exercise such as walking, cycling or swimming
  • A bowel movement diary with information on frequency, consistency, diet, and medications taken.

The diary also serves as a good basis for discussion with your doctor. If you regularly take medications that can cause constipation, such as strong painkillers or iron supplements, discuss this with your doctor. If you experience alternating constipation and diarrhea, you can find further information in our section: Irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. Our online doctor answers general questions..

Zu den BehandlungsoptionenView treatment optionsVoir les options de traitementNaar de behandelopties

AblaufHow it worksDéroulementWerkwijze

In vier Schritten zur BehandlungFour steps to your treatmentEn quatre étapes vers votre traitementIn vier stappen naar uw behandeling

Ärztlich geprüft, diskret und ohne Wartezimmer.Reviewed by a doctor, discreet and without a waiting room.Examiné par un médecin, discret et sans salle d’attente.Door een arts beoordeeld, discreet en zonder wachtkamer.

  1. 1Behandlung wählenChoose a treatmentChoisir un traitementBehandeling kiezenWählen Sie Ihr Anliegen und das gewünschte Präparat oder stellen Sie eine allgemeine Anfrage.Choose your concern and the medicine you want, or send a general request.Choisissez votre problème et le médicament souhaité, ou envoyez une demande générale.Kies uw klacht en het gewenste middel, of stuur een algemene aanvraag.
  2. 2Fragebogen ausfüllenFill in the questionnaireRemplir le questionnaireVragenlijst invullenDie medizinischen Fragen beantworten Sie online, vertraulich und in Ruhe.You answer the medical questions online, confidentially and at your own pace.Vous répondez aux questions médicales en ligne, en toute confidentialité et à votre rythme.U beantwoordt de medische vragen online, vertrouwelijk en in alle rust.
  3. 3Ärztliche PrüfungMedical reviewÉvaluation médicaleMedische beoordelingEin zugelassener Arzt prüft Ihre Angaben. Ist die Behandlung nicht geeignet, erhalten Sie Ihr Geld zurück.A licensed doctor reviews your answers. If the treatment is not suitable, you get your money back.Un médecin agréé examine vos réponses. Si le traitement ne convient pas, vous êtes remboursé.Een bevoegde arts beoordeelt uw gegevens. Is de behandeling niet geschikt, dan krijgt u uw geld terug.
  4. 4Diskreter VersandDiscreet deliveryLivraison discrèteDiscrete verzendingNach Ausstellung des Rezepts versendet eine EU-Partnerapotheke Ihr Arzneimittel meist innerhalb eines Werktages.Once the prescription has been issued, an EU partner pharmacy usually sends your medicine within one working day.Une fois l’ordonnance établie, une pharmacie partenaire de l’UE expédie votre médicament généralement sous un jour ouvré.Na het uitschrijven van het recept verstuurt een EU-partnerapotheek uw geneesmiddel meestal binnen één werkdag.

Häufige FragenFrequently asked questionsQuestions fréquentesVeelgestelde vragen

Questions about the treatment of constipation

Haben Sie eine andere Frage? Unsere Ärzte und unser Service-Team helfen Ihnen gerne weiter.Have another question? Our doctors and our service team will be glad to help.Vous avez une autre question ? Nos médecins et notre équipe de service vous aident volontiers.Heeft u een andere vraag? Onze artsen en ons serviceteam helpen u graag verder.

Frage an einen ArztAsk a doctorPoser une question à un médecinVraag stellen aan een arts
Do I need a prescription for Dulcolax or Movicol?

Both preparations are prescription-only and are only dispensed through a pharmacy. With Doctorcura, a doctor will also review your questionnaire to determine if the treatment is suitable for you. This is important because constipation can also be caused by underlying medical conditions or medications. Therefore, please provide complete information about any pre-existing conditions and medications.

Without a medical evaluation of the cause, laxatives should only be taken for short periods and not daily over extended periods. Treatment with Movicol typically lasts no more than two weeks; longer use should only be undertaken after consulting a doctor. If constipation does not improve or if laxatives are needed regularly, consult a doctor to determine the cause.

It depends on the medication. With Dulcolax, there should be at least a half-hour interval between taking it and consuming milk or antacids. The risk of potassium deficiency increases when taken with diuretics or cortisone. Other oral medications should not be taken within one hour before or one hour after taking Movicol. Therefore, please list all medications you are taking on the questionnaire.

Constipation is common during pregnancy. Often, fiber, sufficient fluid intake, and exercise provide initial relief. According to the product information, Movicol can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Dulcolax should only be taken during pregnancy on the advice of a doctor; it can be used while breastfeeding. Always indicate pregnancy or breastfeeding on the questionnaire; the doctor will make the final decision.

In that case, the treatment will not be approved, and you will receive a full refund of all payments made. For new, persistent, or unusual constipation, we recommend that you consult a local doctor as soon as possible so that the cause can be determined in person. If you experience warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, a hard, bloated abdomen, or vomiting without a bowel movement, call emergency services immediately.

Medizinische ExpertiseMedical expertiseExpertise médicaleMedische expertise

Jede Anfrage in ärztlichen HändenEvery request in a doctor’s handsChaque demande entre des mains médicalesElke aanvraag in medische handen

Dr. Viktor Simunovic
Medizinischer GutachterMedical assessorMédecin évaluateurMedisch beoordelaarDr. Viktor SimunovicAllgemeinmedizin & digitale GesundheitGeneral medicine & digital healthMédecine générale et santé numériqueHuisartsgeneeskunde en digitale zorg
Dr. Codruta Anca Pandalache
Medizinische GutachterinMedical assessorMédecin évaluatriceMedisch beoordelaarDr. Codruta Anca PandalacheReproduktionsmedizin & FrauengesundheitReproductive medicine & women’s healthMédecine de la reproduction et santé des femmesVoortplantingsgeneeskunde en vrouwengezondheid
Lernen Sie unsere Ärzte kennenMeet our doctorsFaites connaissance avec nos médecinsMaak kennis met onze artsenHintergrund, Erfahrung und FachgebieteBackground, experience and specialismsParcours, expérience et spécialitésAchtergrond, ervaring en vakgebieden

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Medically checked treatment for constipation

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