Lower GI conditions

Short-term bowel symptoms such as infrequent constipation, diarrhoea and haemorrhoids.

Prescribing may be appropriate in some cases under NHSE exception criteria.

Constipation

Drug Cost Age Other information
Drug
Bisacodyl 5mg
Cost
Tablets
£3.69 (20 tablets)
Age
12 years and over
Info

Example Brand(s): Dulcolax

Drug
Bisacodyl 10mg
Cost
Suppositories
£6.00 (12 suppositories)
Age
12 years and over
Info

Example Brand(s): Dulcolax

Drug
Ispaghula
Cost
Sachets
£5.49 (10 sachets)
Age
6 years and over (individual products vary)
Info

Example Brand(s): Fybogel.

Drug
Lactulose
Cost
Liquid
£6.60 (300mL)
Age
No age restrictions
Info

Can be taken in pregnancy and while breastfeeding

Drug
Lactulose
Cost
Liquid
£8.60 (500mL)
Age
No age restrictions
Info

Can be taken in pregnancy and while breastfeeding

Drug
Macrogol
Cost
Sachets
£14.79 (28 sachets)
Age
12 years and over
Info

Example Brand(s): Laxido and Movicol. Recommend the patient asks at a local pharmacy as product can be cheaper

Drug
Senna 7.5mg
Cost
Tablets
£2.49 (20 tablets)
Age
12 years and over
Info

Example Brand(s): Senokot. Tablet pack sizes up to 100 available in pharmacies. Pack size determines licensing. 20 pack is for 18 years and over

Drug
Senna 7.5mg/5mL
Cost
Syrup
£7.50 (150mL)
Age
12 years and over
Info

Example Brand(s): Senokot.

Diarrhoea

Drug Cost Age Other information
Drug
Anusol
Cost
Cream
£4.60 (23g)
Age
18 years and over
Info

Patients with rectal bleeding are advised to consult with their GP first before buying any Anusol products.

Drug
Anusol
Cost
Ointment
£4.69 (25g)
Age
18 years and over
Info

Patients with rectal bleeding are advised to consult with their GP first before buying any Anusol products.

Drug
Anusol
Cost
Suppositories
£4.99 (12 suppositories)
Age
18 years and over
Info

Patients with rectal bleeding are advised to consult with their GP first before buying any Anusol products.

Drug
Anusol HC
Cost
Cream
£6.49 (15g)
Age
18 years and over
Info

HC products not recommended for more than 7 days.

Drug
Anusol HC
Cost
Suppositories
£7.49 (12 suppositories)
Age
18 years and over
Info

HC products not recommended for more than 7 days.

Drug
Disodium hydrogen citrate with glucose, potassium chloride and sodium chloride (Rehydration sachets)
Cost
Sachets
£3.50 (6 sachets)
Age
No age restrictions (individual products vary)
Info

Example Brand(s): Dioralyte Oral powder Sachets.

Available in different flavours, citrus, blackcurrant and plain.

Drug
Loperamide 2mg
Cost
Capsules
£1.99 (6 capsules)
Age
12 years and over (individual products vary)
Info

Example Brand(s): Imodium

Drug
Loperamide 2mg
Cost
Orodispersible tablets
£5.75 (6 tablets)
Age
12 years and over (individual products vary)
Info

Example Brand(s): Imodium Instants

Back to top