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What is constipation?

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  • Constipation is when you defecate or pass stool less than 3 times per week, or it feels like you did not get all of the stool out.7
  • Many people believe that it is unhealthy to not have a bowel movement every day, which is incorrect as everyone is different.
  • If your bowel habits change from what you usually experience, you could be constipated.24,25

Causes of constipation

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Signs and symptoms of constipation

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When you are constipated, you may experience the following:7

  • Stools that are small hard lumps, like nuts, which are difficult to pass
  • You have to strain to pass stool
  • Push and assist the stool out

Healthy tips and prevention

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  • Eat foods with more fibre, like cereals, fruits, beans and wheat bran.
  • Go to the toilet as soon as you feel that you need to pass stool. Do not wait
  • Drink at least 2L of water every day.
  • Take your time when going to the toilet, do not rush or tense up.
  • Sit correctly on the toilet
  • Do more exercise, like taking a walk for 30 minutes a day.

Treatment of constipation

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If you have tried the healthy tips for a few days, and you are still struggling with constipation, you can buy medicine from the pharmacy called laxatives that softens the stool and helps you to pass it more easily.

Ask for a product that works quickly and effectively, so you can continue with your normal lifestyle.

These should not be used regularly or for long periods, as your body becomes dependent on them.

If you have to use laxatives often rather consult your clinic or doctor.

These options are mostly available as either oral or rectal treatment formats. To make sure you choose the laxative best suited to you or your family, ask your healthcare professional about how the product is used, how quickly it works and any side effects that can be expected. 8 

Microlax Microenema – for fast and gentle relief from occasional

 

Microlax Microenema is a convenient microenema which works locally in the bowel to soften stool, and provides quick and effective relief of occasional constipation within 5 – 15 minutes 9

 

To learn more about the benefits of Microlax Microenema and how it works, follow this link for a quick introduction to the product https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP51ALs8j9c

Microlax microenema

  • Contains a small volume of solution (only 5 ml) that is administered rectally for either adults, children or even babies
  • Is fitted with a thin, flexible cannula for minimally invasive administration
  • Works by drawing water into the faecal mass, binding to the surface of the stool in order for the water to penetrate the hard stool and soften it to be passed gently and comfortably.
  • The solution provides local action, with little absorption into the body.
  • The product is generally very well tolerated. 9,10

Microlax can be used by people of all ages, even babies*. Its small volume offers a discreet, on-the-go option to be carried with you for whenever and where-ever you need it.

  • Suitable for all ages*
  • Works within 5 – 15 minutes
  • Predictable and effective relief
  • Small dose – only 5 ml liquid
  • Discreet and easy to use

*when used as recommended; for instruction for use, and use in children under 3 years, see package insert for details.

S0 MICROLAX® Microenema. Each 1 ml contains: Sodium Citrate 90,0 mg; Sodium Lauryl Sulphoacetate 70 % 12,9 mg; Sorbitol solution 893,0 mg. Ref.No.: E911 (Act 101/1965).

For full prescribing information refer to the Professional Information approved by the Medicines Regulatory Authority.

Please note: this is an education information leaflet only and should not be used for diagnosis. For more information on Constipation, consult your healthcare professional.

 


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12. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in collaboration with The South African National Department of Health and World Health Organization (WHO). Healthcare Workers Handbook On Influenza (last updated:
May 2014). Accessed on 16 November 2019. Available at www.nicd.ac.za/assets/files/Healthcare%20Workers%20Handbook%20on%20Influenza%20in%20SA%20_12%20May%202014(1).pdf.
13. Buensalido JAL. Rhinovirus (RV) Infection (Common Cold). Accessed 16 November 2019. Available at https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/227820-print.
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Accessed 11 April 2020.
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2016. Lancet Infect Dis 2018; 18: 1211–28.
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ZA-BE-2000007

Microlax

9. Ref-00289 Microlax Company Core Data Sheet

10. Schneider JY. Constipation in Children and Infants. Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung 2008;148:106-107.

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