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Conditions
Constipation
Infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements. One of the most common digestive complaints, affecting up to 1 in 4 Australians at some point.
Get assessed
From $49.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofConstipation
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
Straining during bowel movements
Feeling of incomplete emptying
Abdominal bloating and discomfort
Loss of appetite
Feeling of blockage in the rectum
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Assessment of constipation causes
- Advice on dietary and lifestyle management
- Discussion of laxative options
- Medical certificates if constipation is severe enough to affect work
What needs in-person care
- Physical rectal examination (some cases need this)
- Colonoscopy or imaging
- Assessment for faecal impaction
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Constipation lasting more than 2-3 weeks
- 2New constipation after age 50 (needs investigation)
- 3Constipation alternating with diarrhoea
- 4Blood in your stool
- 5Significant abdominal pain or bloating
Seek emergency care if
- Severe abdominal pain with inability to pass gas or stool (possible obstruction)
- Vomiting with constipation (possible obstruction)
- Large amount of blood in stool
- Constipation with fever and severe pain
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonConstipation
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Constipation is incredibly common and usually straightforward to manage, but it is often undertreated because people are embarrassed to discuss it. The vast majority of constipation is functional - caused by inadequate fibre intake, insufficient water, sedentary lifestyle, or medication side effects (opioids, iron, some antidepressants are major culprits). The clinical concern is when constipation represents a change from normal - particularly new-onset constipation in someone over 50, which warrants investigation to exclude bowel cancer. I also look for 'alarm features': blood in the stool, unintentional weight loss, family history of bowel cancer, or constipation alternating with diarrhoea. In the absence of these, dietary and lifestyle changes resolve the majority of cases. For chronic constipation, osmotic laxatives (macrogol) are safe for long-term use and significantly improve quality of life.
Treatment
TreatingConstipation
Constipation management follows a stepwise approach. Dietary and lifestyle changes (fibre increase to 25-30g/day, adequate fluid intake, regular activity) are first-line. If dietary measures are insufficient, osmotic laxatives (macrogol/polyethylene glycol) are the safest and most evidence-based pharmacological option for ongoing use. Stimulant laxatives provide faster relief but are not suitable for regular use. Prescription options include prucalopride (a prokinetic with strong evidence for chronic constipation).
Macrogol (polyethylene glycol)
Movicol, Osmolax, Macrogol Sandoz
Class:Osmotic laxative
Typical dose:1-3 sachets (13.7g each) dissolved in 125ml water, once or twice daily; adjust to achieve comfortable stools
PBS:PBS listed for chronic constipation; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026). Also available OTC as Osmolax
- First-line pharmacological treatment for chronic constipation per eTG -- evidence base is superior to other laxative classes
- Safe for long-term use; no tolerance or dependence unlike stimulant laxatives
- Works by drawing water into the bowel; onset within 24-72 hours
- Can be taken preventively if constipation is predictable (e.g., after opioid use)
Psyllium husk
Metamucil
Class:Bulk-forming fibre supplement
Typical dose:5-10g in 250ml water, 1-3 times daily with meals
PBS:Available OTC without prescription
- Adds bulk to stool and retains water; effective for mild-to-moderate constipation
- Must be taken with adequate water or can worsen constipation
- Best suited as a preventive measure when dietary fibre intake is low
Prucalopride
Resotrans
Class:Selective serotonin type 4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist prokinetic
Typical dose:2mg once daily (1mg in elderly); trial for 4 weeks
PBS:PBS listed for chronic constipation unresponsive to laxatives; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026)
- Prokinetic agent that stimulates intestinal motility; specifically for chronic constipation when first-line laxatives are insufficient
- Evidence from multiple RCTs and Cochrane review shows superior efficacy to placebo and lactulose
- Well tolerated; headache and nausea are the most common side effects and usually resolve within 1-2 days
- A telehealth consult can assess suitability for prucalopride initiation
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines -- Gastrointestinal, 2023; Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) constipation guidelines; Cochrane Review: Laxatives for chronic constipation (2022). This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Refer to a gastroenterologist if: new-onset constipation after age 50 (bowel cancer screening), constipation with blood in stool or weight loss, constipation unresponsive to 3-6 months of appropriate treatment, or if faecal impaction or pelvic floor dysfunction is suspected. Colonoscopy may be indicated for patients with alarm features.
Constipation in Australia
Constipation affects approximately 1 in 4 Australians at some point in their lives
It is 2-3 times more common in women than men and increases with age
Constipation accounts for over 700,000 GP visits per year in Australia
Australians spend over $100 million annually on over-the-counter laxatives
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Acute constipation: usually resolves within 1-3 days with appropriate laxative treatment. Chronic constipation: dietary and lifestyle changes take 2-4 weeks to show full effect. Medication-related constipation resolves when the causative medication is adjusted.
Return to work
Most people can work with constipation, though severe bloating and discomfort may be distracting. If constipation is causing significant pain or you have been unable to eat due to nausea, a day off may be appropriate.
When to reassess
See a doctor if constipation has lasted more than 3 weeks despite self-care, if you notice blood in your stool, if you are losing weight unintentionally, or if you have a family history of bowel cancer. Anyone over 50 with new constipation should be assessed.
Self-Care
ManagingConstipationathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Increase fibre gradually (aim for 25-30g/day) - too fast causes bloating. Good sources: oats, legumes, fruits, vegetables
Drink at least 2 litres of water daily - fibre without adequate water can worsen constipation
Regular physical activity stimulates bowel motility - even a daily 20-minute walk helps
Establish a routine: try to sit on the toilet at the same time each day, ideally after breakfast when the gastrocolic reflex is strongest
A small footstool under your feet while sitting on the toilet creates a more natural squatting position and makes passing stool easier
Avoid regularly relying on stimulant laxatives (Senokot, Dulcolax) - osmotic laxatives (Movicol) are safer for ongoing use
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutConstipation
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Normal bowel habits range from 3 times a day to 3 times a week. What matters more than frequency is consistency and comfort. If your pattern has changed or you're uncomfortable, that's worth discussing with a doctor.
See a doctor if constipation is new and persistent (especially after age 50), accompanied by blood in the stool, associated with unintentional weight loss, or causing severe pain. New-onset constipation after 50 may warrant bowel cancer screening.
Start with osmotic laxatives (like Movicol/macrogol) - they draw water into the bowel and are safe for long-term use. Stimulant laxatives (Senokot) work faster but shouldn't be used regularly. Fibre supplements (psyllium) are effective for ongoing management.
Chronic constipation can contribute to haemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse (in severe cases), and urinary retention. It also significantly affects quality of life and mental wellbeing.
Ready to get help with Constipation?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
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