Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints in Ireland, affecting people of all ages. It is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, or passing stools that are hard, dry and difficult to pass. While it is rarely serious, constipation can be uncomfortable and significantly affect quality of life. The good news is that for most people, it responds well to dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments and — when needed — pharmacy treatments.
This guide from the Chemco Pharmacy pharmacist team covers the most effective approaches to relieving constipation, the pharmacy products available in Ireland, and when to seek further medical advice.
Common Causes of Constipation
Understanding what's causing constipation helps guide the right solution:
- Low fibre diet — the most common cause. Fibre adds bulk to stool and keeps it soft
- Inadequate fluid intake — dehydration is a major contributor to hard, difficult-to-pass stools
- Sedentary lifestyle — physical activity stimulates bowel motility
- Ignoring the urge to go — suppressing bowel movements regularly disrupts the reflex
- Medication — opioid painkillers, iron supplements, antacids and some antidepressants commonly cause constipation
- Pregnancy — hormonal changes slow gut motility; iron supplements commonly prescribed in pregnancy worsen constipation
- Hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid slows many body processes including digestion
- IBS with constipation (IBS-C) — a functional gut disorder requiring specific management
- Travel — changes in routine, diet and hydration commonly disrupt bowel habits
8 Practical Ways to Relieve Constipation
1. Increase Dietary Fibre — Gradually
Adults need 25–35g of fibre per day. Most Irish adults consume significantly less. Good sources include oats, wholegrain bread and cereals, fruit (especially prunes, pears and berries), vegetables, beans and lentils. Increase fibre intake gradually — adding too much fibre too quickly can cause bloating and wind. Aim to increase your intake by around 5g per week until you reach the target.
Prunes and prune juice are particularly effective — they contain sorbitol (a natural laxative) alongside fibre, making them more potent than most other fruits for constipation relief.
2. Drink More Water
Aim for at least 1.5–2 litres of fluid per day. Without adequate hydration, even a high-fibre diet won't work well — fibre needs water to bulk up and soften stool. Hot drinks in the morning (including coffee, which has a mild stimulant effect on the bowel) can help trigger the gastrocolic reflex that promotes a morning bowel movement.
3. Psyllium Husk — A Natural Bulk-Forming Agent
Psyllium husk is a plant-based fibre that absorbs water in the gut to form a soft, bulky mass that is easier to pass. It is gentle, non-addictive and suitable for long-term use. It works best with adequate fluid intake.
SylliFlor Psyllium Husks are available from Chemco Pharmacy — mix with water, juice or yoghurt and drink immediately. Suitable for daily use. SylliFlor is also available in a cocoa flavour variant.
4. Move More
Physical activity stimulates peristalsis — the wave-like contractions that move food through the intestines. Even a 20–30 minute walk after meals can make a significant difference to bowel regularity. This is particularly relevant for those who are desk-bound during the working day.
5. Establish a Bowel Routine
The gastrocolic reflex — which triggers the urge to have a bowel movement — is strongest in the morning, particularly after breakfast. Don't ignore this urge. Sit on the toilet at the same time each morning, allow sufficient time without rushing, and adopt a good position — placing your feet on a small step stool raises your knees above hip level (the squatting position) which straightens the anorectal angle and makes passing stool easier.
6. Osmotic Laxatives — Lactulose and Macrogol
Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the bowel to soften and bulk up stool. They are gentle, work gradually and are suitable for most people including children, pregnant women and older adults.
Lactulose is a traditional osmotic laxative — a synthetic sugar that the gut cannot absorb, so it passes through to the bowel where it draws water in. It takes 24–48 hours to work and can cause bloating and wind, particularly at higher doses. Lactulose Fresenius 500ml is available from Chemco Pharmacy.
Macrogol (polyethylene glycol) is the more modern osmotic laxative — available as Dulcosoft Oral Solution from Chemco Pharmacy. Macrogol tends to cause less bloating than lactulose and is often preferred for those who find lactulose uncomfortable. It mixes with water for easy administration and can be used short or longer term.
Shop Dulcosoft → Shop Lactulose →
7. Stimulant Laxatives — For Quicker Relief
Stimulant laxatives (such as senna and bisacodyl) work by stimulating the nerves in the bowel wall to trigger movement. They typically work within 6–12 hours and are effective for short-term relief. They should not be used regularly or long-term without medical advice. Senna tablets and bisacodyl suppositories are available from Chemco Pharmacy — speak with our team about the right option.
8. Glycerol Suppositories
Glycerol suppositories work locally in the rectum to stimulate bowel movement and soften stool. They are fast-acting (typically within 15–30 minutes) and are particularly useful when constipation is causing significant discomfort or when oral laxatives haven't worked quickly enough. Suitable for adults and children. Available from Chemco Pharmacy.
Constipation in Pregnancy
Constipation is extremely common in pregnancy — affecting up to 40% of pregnant women — due to the relaxing effect of progesterone on gut muscles, and worsened by iron supplementation. The safest first-line approaches in pregnancy are:
- Increase dietary fibre and fluid intake
- Regular gentle exercise (walking)
- Psyllium husk (SylliFlor) — safe in pregnancy
- Lactulose or macrogol (Dulcosoft) — considered safe in pregnancy under pharmacist guidance
Stimulant laxatives (senna, bisacodyl) should be avoided in pregnancy unless specifically advised by a GP or midwife. Always speak with your pharmacist before taking any laxative during pregnancy.
Constipation in Children
Constipation is the most common digestive complaint in Irish children. Causes include: not enough fibre or fluid, withholding (particularly around toilet training), and pain from a previous difficult bowel movement creating a cycle of withholding. Macrogol (Movicol Paediatric, available on prescription) is the first-line treatment recommended by Irish paediatric guidelines. Lactulose is commonly used in infants and younger children. Dietary measures — increased fruit, vegetables and fluid — should always run alongside any laxative treatment.
When to See a Doctor
Most constipation is functional and responds to the above measures. Seek medical advice if:
- Constipation is new or significantly changed and persists for more than 2–3 weeks
- You notice blood in the stool or on toilet paper
- There is unexplained weight loss alongside constipation
- There is severe abdominal pain
- Constipation alternates with diarrhoea (possible IBS or other condition)
- You are over 50 and have new-onset constipation without obvious dietary cause
- Laxatives are needed continuously to maintain normal bowel movements
Getting Pharmacy Advice at Chemco
Our Chemco Pharmacy pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate constipation treatment for your situation — including during pregnancy, for children, or for those on regular medication. We stock a full range of laxatives and dietary fibre supplements.
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. If constipation is persistent, severe or associated with other symptoms, speak with your GP.