Constipation is a common problem experienced by many patients and can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, stress, or medications. Please do not be afraid or embarrassed to call your doctor or nurse at any time.
If left untreated, the constipation may get worse and not improve on its own. When starting chemotherapy, take a stool softener like Colace twice each day, unless otherwise directed.
Drinking plenty of fluids helps stool softeners and laxatives work effectively.
Over the counter medication management of constipation
To prevent constipation or to soften hard stools:
- Take Colace (generic is Docusate) stool softener 100mg or 250mg twice daily.
If your stools are still hard after taking Colace for 2 days:
- Continue the Colace. Add Miralax once daily.
If you have not had a bowel movement in 3 or more days
On the first day of constipation:
- Take 2 tablets Senna 8.6mg twice a day.
- Increase your fluid intake to 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
If you have not had a bowel movement on the 2nd day:
- Continue taking Senna twice a day.
- Add 2 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia twice a day
If you have not had a bowel movement on the 3rd day:
- Continue taking 2 Senokot and 2 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia twice a day.
- Call your doctor’s office for further instructions.
- Once you have had a bowel movement, STOP the Senna and continue Colace twice daily and Miralax once daily.
Dietary and lifestyle management of constipation
- Smooth Move Tea, available in many grocery stores, may also be very effective to relieve constipation. Instead of taking Senna, drink one cup of this tea twice a day until you have a bowel movement.
- Fluids. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluid a day. Avoid caffeine because it can cause dehydration which can cause or increase constipation.
- Drink a warm-to-hot decaffeinated drink about one half-hour before the usual time for a bowel movement.
- Exercise daily such as a half-hour walk, especially after meals.
- Eat dried or cooked prunes or drink prune juice 1 to 2 times a day. For constipation, try ½ cup of prune juice with half cup of aloe vera juice.
- Increase fiber intake. Do this ONLY when you can drink plenty of fluids or increased fiber may increase constipation. Examples of high-fiber foods include whole-wheat breads, cereals, crackers, and pasta, wheat bran &bran muffins, pinto and kidney beans, peas, fresh fruit and vegetables, oats, barley, brown rice and dried fruits like figs and prunes.
Published April 2018
Stanford Health Care © 2018