Faecal softeners
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), Fletchers' Enemette, 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:
- MeReC Bulletin 2004; 14(6):21-4.
Related pages
Create an account to add page annotations
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.