Discuss the palatability of the laxatives with the patient.
Some suspensions are very sweet.
Explain the mode of action to the patient, including the need to adjust the dose depending on response. Give simple dietary advice regarding adequate fluid intake, appropriate diet and sufficient roughage. A rectal examination should always be performed on a patient with troublesome constipation. Inspection of the anus, prior to a rectal examination, may reveal an obvious painful cause of constipation, such as prolapsed haemorrhoids, an anal fissure or perianal infection. If the rectum is filled with hard faecal masses, do not give a faecal expander.