On Soin-et-Nature, your ARS-accredited online pharmacy, discover a careful selection of rectal laxatives designed to act quickly and gently. Suppositories, gels or enemas: practical solutions to relieve terminal constipation, ease discomfort and regain the sensation of complete evacuation in complete safety.
Rectal laxatives (also known as contact laxatives) are recommended as a first-line treatment for constipation of rectal origin (or distal constipation, characterized by a sensation of anal obstruction,incomplete evacuation of stools and pushing). These laxatives cause stools to be expelled by contraction of the rectum. They should not be used for prolonged periods, as they may interfere with the normal contraction reflex of the rectum, which enables stools to be evacuated.
Rectal laxatives are available from your local pharmacy.
Rectal laxatives (Eductyl, Suppositoires à la Glycérine, Microlax) contain glycerine or sodium bicarbonate. With an onset of action of 5 to 15 minutes to relieve constipation, they are instant remedies. These laxatives are only effective in cases of terminal constipation, where stools accumulate in the rectum. Taken over the long term, these laxatives lead to a loss of the exoneration reflex, i.e. the natural stimulation to go to the toilet to evacuate stools.
Microlax is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of low-grade constipation, notably due to rectal dyschezia. The Microlax range of products comes from the Johnson & Johnson laboratories. It includes rectal gels for the treatment of transient constipation. Whether you're looking for a gentle, fast-acting alternative to oral laxatives, relief from occasional constipation, or a simple way to add more fiber to your diet, there's a product for you.
Rectal laxatives are widely used to treat constipation, either as self-medication or by prescription. Dyschesia and certain continence disorders are the main indications for rectal laxatives. Laxative suppositories or enemas can be administered.
Rectal laxatives available in France differ in chemical formula and mode of action. They are classified according to their mode of action.
Osmotic effect
Microlax® is a rectal gel based on sorbitol and sodium lauryl sulfate. It is an osmotic laxative that takes effect in 5 to 20 minutes, according to its SPC (summary of product characteristics).
Glycerol (aka glycerine), in suppository or gel form (such as Bébégel®, which can also be used in adults, despite its name), works in 5 to 30 minutes according to its SPC (Vidal 2008); its action is undoubtedly the result of an osmotic, stimulant and lubricating effect. It is the most widely used active ingredient. Long-term repetition of its administration is probably a factor in disrupting the normal reflex.
In some preparations, several active ingredients may be combined. This is the case with Rectopanbiline® rectal gel and Rectopanbiline® suppository, which contain beef bile extract (triggers the exoneration reflex) and glycerine.
Stimulating effect
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) is a stimulant laxative that takes effect in 30 to 60 minutes. This form is reserved for adults, with one suppository a day, half an hour before the chosen time for bowel movements.
Normacol® enema is a hypertonic solution of sodium phosphates. According to its SPC, it is an "irritant" laxative that acts within 5 minutes, and is contraindicated in cases of hydro-electrolytic disorders with sodium retention.
Gaseous release, CO2
Eductyl® suppositories contain potassium tartrate and sodium bicarbonate, which release carbon dioxide in a moist environment in the rectum. According to their CPR, the volume of carbon dioxide released increases intrarectal pressure, triggering the exoneration reflex within minutes. They are well tolerated.
List of rectal laxatives: Bébégel, Cristal, Dulcolax suppository, Éductyl, Rectopanbiline Gel, Microlax, Norgalax, Normacol Enema, Rectopanbiline, Glycerine Suppositories.
To relieve constipation, it's best to :
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IF CONSTIPATION IS ACCOMPANIED BY BLOOD IN THE STOOLS. |
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If constipation is accompanied by persistent abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. |
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If constipation is accompanied by an inability to pass gas and severe bloating. |
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If constipation is accompanied by fever or chills. |
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If stool emission is accompanied by abundant mucus (phlegm). |
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If the episode of constipation is unusual, occurs unexpectedly and lasts more than 48 to 72 hours. |
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If constipation and diarrhea alternate. |
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If constipation occurs at the same time as taking a new treatment. |
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If constipation occurs occasionally and is not accompanied by any worrying signs, e.g. when travelling. |
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If constipation has already been assessed and measures recommended by the doctor. |
| LEGEND |
| Consult a doctor within the day. |
| Consult a doctor in the next few days. |
| It is possible to self-medicate. |
No medication will be delivered outside France. Only available for collection from the pharmacy in Perpignan (France).
Soin-et-Nature offers effective treatments to improve digestion and relieve gastrointestinal disorders.
Order on Soin-et-Nature to find treatments adapted to your digestive needs.
