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Faecal softeners

Authoring team

Faecal softeners can be divided into those agents which act as lubricants and those which have a detergent like action - surface wetting agents.

Lubricants include:

  • liquid paraffin
  • arachis oil

Surface wetting agents:

  • sodium docusate, e.g. Dioctyl (syrup and tablets), Norgalax Micro-enema

N.B.:

  • liquid paraffin is no longer recommended for use (1)
  • sodium docusate also has a stimulant action - can be particularly useful in the management of conditions for which rectal administration would be painful (e.g. haemorrhoids or anal fissures) (1)

Reference:

  1. Krogh K, Chiarioni G, Whitehead W; Management of chronic constipation in adults. United European Gastroenterol J. 2017 Jun;5(4):465-472.

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