Am I constipated?
Welcome to the Coloxyl Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker
When you struggle to have a bowel movement (pooing), it can be annoying, uncomfortable, and occasionally painful.
The normal number of bowel movements can vary from 3 times per day to 3 times per week, but it’s important to find out if your symptoms are likely to be due to constipation, because there are effective treatment options available.
The Coloxyl Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker will help you better understand whether your symptoms are likely to be constipation and can provide suggestions for next steps to finding relief.
If you are or the person with symptoms is under 2 or over 65 years old, or if you suspect your symptoms have started due to taking treatment for another condition (e.g. opioid painkillers), you should speak to your healthcare professional before continuing.
This is a guide only. For medical advice or diagnosis see your doctor.
How often do you have a bowel movement (go for a poo)?
How often do you feel like you strain when you try to pass stools?
How would you describe your stools over the last 3 weeks?
difficult to pass
very hard stools
Over the last 3 months, have you sometimes experienced any of the below?
How old is the person who needs relief from constipation?
Are you able to swallow tablets, or would you prefer an alternative to oral treatment?
Would you prefer relief that takes up to 3 days or overnight relief?
It is unlikely that you are constipated
The normal frequency of bowel movements can vary between individuals from 3 times per day to 3 times per week; however, the number of times you go to the toilet should not be the only factor taken into consideration.
People suffering from constipation usually suffer from at least two of the following for at least 3 months:
- 2 or fewer bowel movements per week
- Straining during more than 25% of movements
- Feeling like you still need to go when you’ve been to the bathroom
- Passing stools that are hard and lumpy
- Feeling obstructed or ‘blocked up’
- Having to manually help yourself pass stools
If you are still worried about your bowel movements, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor.
It is likely that you are suffering from constipation
There are some lifestyle and dietary things you can do which may help:
- Drink more noncaffeinated fluids, such as water and fruit/vegetable juices.
- Gradually increase your fibre intake with a variety of foods, such as fruit and vegetables; wholegrain or wholemeal products such as breads, cereals, pastas and rice; legumes; seeds and nuts.
- Engage in physical activity, which can help to reduce digestion time and stimulate regular bowel movements.
- Correct positioning on the toilet: knees should be above the level of the hips – a footstool may be needed
Despite best efforts with diet and lifestyle, more still may be required, so talk to your doctor about Coloxyl. Coloxyl are leaders in constipation relief as Australia’s No.1 constipation relief tablet brand*, and the easy choice for constipation relief.
has helped Australians suffering with constipation for more than 40 years- has a range of constipation products for adults & children
- products provide effective constipation relief
The Coloxyl range contains a number of products with different ingredients that offer constipation relief to suit the needs of different sufferers.
Would you prefer an overnight treatment, or one that takes a few days to provide relief?
This is a guide on which Coloxyl treatment is best for you. For medical advice or diagnosis see your doctor.
Your Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker
Overnight relief
You have completed the Coloxyl Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker.
Based on your responses, the below treatment options may be appropriate for you.
Show this to your local pharmacist, who will be able to help you manage your condition.
Coloxyl with Senna
Stool Softener + Stimulant Laxative
Coloxyl with Senna is a dual action formula for reliable overnight relief of constipation. The combination of two active ingredients work together to make bowel movements easier and more comfortable to pass. Coloxyl with Senna contains docusate sodium that works by helping draw water into the bowel to soften hard stools while the senna encourages the bowels to move the stool through the body.
Directions for use:
Take 1 or 2 tablets at night.
Increase up to 4 tablets if necessary.
Your Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker
Up to 3 days
You have completed the Coloxyl Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker.
Based on your responses, the below treatment options may be appropriate for you.
Show this to your local pharmacist, who will be able to help you manage your condition.
Coloxyl Stool Softener
Coloxyl 50 mg and Coloxyl 120 mg both contain the active ingredient docusate sodium, which draws water into the stools, making them softer and easier to pass. Coloxyl 50 mg contains 50mg of docusate sodium per tablet and is taken twice daily. Coloxyl 120 mg contains 120mg of docusate sodium per tablet and is taken once daily at night. If you are looking for gentle constipation relief, then try either Coloxyl 50 mg or Coloxyl 120 mg.
Directions for use:
Coloxyl 50 mg – Take 2 or 3 tablets twice daily.
Coloxyl 120 mg – Take 2 tablets once daily at night.
It can take up to 3 days to provide relief from constipation
Your Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker
Within 1 - 2 days
You have completed the Coloxyl Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker.
Based on your responses, the below treatment options may be appropriate for your child.
Show this to your local pharmacist, who will be able to help you manage your child’s condition.
Coloxyl Macrogol For Children
Coloxyl Macrogol For Children is for the relief & treatment of functional and chronic constipation in babies and kids. It has a natural mode of action to relieve constipation gently and effectively in children from as early as 6 months of age.
Coloxyl Macrogol For Children contains macrogol 4000. Macrogol* is one of the recommended first line treatment therapies for children with constipation. It works by binding to water molecules which then softens and slightly bulks the stool, triggering a natural bowel movement in the body that makes it easier for children to pass.
*Macrogol 3350.
Directions for use
- Using the dosing table, dissolve (stir) each sachet well with either water or juice and drink once dissolved.
- Coloxyl Macrogol For Children will mix into a colourless solution in water and start to work within 24-48 hours.
- Start at the minimum dose. The dose should be adjusted up or down as required to produce regular soft stools.
After mixture preparation, store in refrigerator 2 °C – 8 °C & do not use after 24 hours
| Age | Start dose per day | Max dose per day | Mix with mL per dose |
| 6 months – 1 year | 1x sachet | 1x sachet | 50 mL |
| 1 – 3 years | 1x sachet | 2x sachets | 50 mL |
| 4 –7 years | 2x sachets | 4x sachets | 125 mL |
| 8 – 11 years | 3x sachets | 8x sachets | 125 mL |
| 12+ years | 3x sachets | 10x sachets | 125 mL |
This is a guide on which Coloxyl treatment is best for you. For medical advice or diagnosis see your doctor
Up to 3 days
Coloxyl Infant Drops
Coloxyl Infant Drops is a gentle Stool Softener for the relief of constipation in babies and children up to 3 years of age. It contains a stool softener which works by drawing water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. This softening process happens gradually and can take 2-3 days.
Coloxyl Infant Drops are suitable aged 0–3 years, and provide:
- Gentle constipation relief over 2-3 days
- Great tasting caramel & chocolate flavour
- Drops can be added to water or fruit juice if necessary
- A measuring syringe is provided for easy and accurate dosing
Directions for use:
Infant drops should be given 3 times daily and can be administered in water or fruit juice if necessary.
Dosage by age:
- Under 6 months – 0.30 mL
- 6 to 18 months – 0.50 mL
- 18 months to 3 years – 0.80 mL
Use syringe provided to measure the dose accurately.
How to use the syringe:
Gently pull back the plunger until the syringe fills to the mark that corresponds to the dose for your child. The mark should line up with the top of the surface of the barrel rim. Always wash the dosing syringe in warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly before allowing to air dry after each use.
How to use the child resistant and tamper evident cap: Push cap down whilst twisting to open bottle. To engage child resistant mechanism, fully tighten cap after use.
Your Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker
Within 2-3 days
Relief for children aged under 6 months
You have completed the Coloxyl Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker.
Based on your responses, the below treatment options may be appropriate for your child.
Show this to your local pharmacist, who will be able to help you manage your child’s condition.
Coloxyl Infant Drops
Coloxyl Infant Drops is a gentle stool softener for the relief of constipation in babies and children up to 3 years of age. It contains a stool softener which works by drawing water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. This softening process happens gradually and can take 2-3 days.
Coloxyl Infant Drops are suitable for children aged 0–3 years, and provide:
- Gentle constipation relief over 2-3 days
- Great tasting caramel & chocolate flavour
- Drops can be added to water or fruit juice if necessary
- A measuring syringe is provided for easy and accurate dosing
Directions for use:
Coloxyl Infant Drops should be given 3 times daily and can be administered in water or fruit juice if necessary.
Dosage by age:
- Under 6 months – 0.30 mL
- 6 to 18 months – 0.50 mL
- 18 months to 3 years – 0.80 mL
Use syringe provided to measure the dose accurately.
How to use the syringe:
Gently pull back the plunger until the syringe fills to the mark that corresponds to the dose for your child. The mark should line up with the top of the surface of the barrel rim. Always wash the dosing syringe in warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly before allowing to air dry after each use.
How to use the child resistant and tamper evident cap:
Push cap down whilst twisting to open bottle. To engage child resistant mechanism, fully tighten cap after use.
Your Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker
Fast relief - 15 minutes
Fast, effective relief in as little as 15 minutes1
You have completed the Coloxyl Constipation Symptom and Solution Checker.
Based on your responses, the below treatment options may be appropriate for you.
Show this to your local pharmacist, who will be able to help you manage your condition.
Coloxyl Glycerol Suppositories For Adults
Coloxyl Glycerol Suppositories For Adults provides fast relief from constipation. They work directly at the source to provide relief in as little as 15 minutes.1 Coloxyl Glycerol Suppositories For Adults have a comfort-shaped design to provide an easy way to relieve constipation fast. They contain glycerol which acts as an osmotic laxative to soften the stool and acts as a lubricant. Coloxyl Glycerol Suppositories For Adults can be used in adults and children over 12 years of age.
Rectal suppositories are designed as another way to deliver medication to treat constipation.
Directions for use
Dosage: For adults and children over 12 years; insert one suppository into the rectum as required.
How to use: Find a private place to administer the product. Remove one suppository from the blister pack and remove outer film. You can lubricate the tip of the suppository with water or water soluble lubricating gel to help insertion, although it is not required before use.
- Step 1: Lie on your side and draw your knees towards your chest.
- Step 2: Gently insert the suppository, pointed end first, as far as possible pushing the end of the suppository at an angle to ensure contact with the wall of the bowel.
- Step 3: Lower your legs to a comfortable position to help hold the suppository in place. The suppository should be in place for at least 15-20 minutes if possible. It is not necessary to remove or wait for the suppository to completely melt to obtain satisfactory results.
1Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) Glycerol Last Modified July 2024.
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