It is important to be vigilant for laxatives taken for dieting or by those with eating disorders. Implementing the new MHRA guidance provides a useful opportunity for each pharmacy to have an agreed strategy for managing symptoms of constipation and sales of laxatives. 

If an eating disorder is suspected resources are available from organisations such as
Beat Eating Disorders. Further useful resources to pass onto patients include:

• The NHS – constipation 
• The NHS – how to get more fibre in your diet 
• Public Health England’s Eat Well Guide 
• The NHS – walking for health   
• The NHS – get active with a disability.  

Reflective exercises

• What three specific questions would you ask about diet in relation to constipation? 
• What are your top recommendations for increasing dietary fibre?