PHARMACIST-REVIEWED GUIDE · PAKISTAN

Constipation Relief: Home Remedies, Medicines and What to Avoid

A simple step-by-step plan, from fibre and water to the right laxative, and when constipation needs a doctor.

✓ Reviewed by Arhum Nadeem, Pharm-D · ✓ Based on NHS guidance · ✓ 3–4 hr delivery in Lahore

Woman with tummy discomfort from constipation

Medically reviewed by Arhum Nadeem, Pharm-D (8 years’ experience as a pharmacist) · Last reviewed: 17 October 2026

The best home remedies for constipation are more fibre (fruit, vegetables, whole wheat atta, daal), plenty of water, daily activity, and not ignoring the urge to go. If that isn’t enough, a bulk-forming laxative such as ispaghol (psyllium husk) is usually the first medicine to try, followed by an osmotic laxative such as lactulose (Duphalac, Lilac) if stools are still hard. Most constipation settles within a few days to weeks. Blood in the stool, weight loss or a lasting change in bowel habit needs a doctor.

Key points

  • Constipation means passing stools fewer than 3 times a week, or hard stools that are difficult to pass.
  • Increase fibre gradually and drink more water at the same time, or fibre can make bloating worse.
  • Ispaghol works in 1 to 3 days; lactulose in 2 to 3 days.
  • Stimulant laxatives are for occasional short-term use, not daily.
  • Children, pregnant women and older adults should get advice before using laxatives regularly.

Home remedies for constipation that work

  1. Eat more fibre: fruit (guava, pears, apples with skin, papaya, prunes), vegetables, whole wheat chapati instead of maida, daal, chanay and oats.
  2. Drink more water: aim for 6 to 8 glasses a day, more in hot weather.
  3. Move every day: a 20 to 30 minute walk helps the gut work.
  4. Don’t delay: go when you feel the urge, ideally after breakfast when the gut is most active.
  5. Use a footstool: raising your knees above your hips on a western toilet makes passing stools easier.
  6. Review your medicines: iron tablets, calcium, some painkillers (especially tramadol and codeine), and some antacids can cause constipation.

Best medicine for constipation: which laxative?

TypeHow it worksExamples (Oct 2026 price)Works in
Bulk-formingAdds fibre and water to soften and bulk up stoolsMarhaba Ispaghol 50 g (about Rs 366), 95 g (about Rs 760)1–3 days
OsmoticDraws water into the bowelDuphalac 120 ml (about Rs 300), Duphalac 240 ml (about Rs 567), Lilac 120 ml (about Rs 277)2–3 days
StimulantMakes the bowel muscles push stools alongBisacodyl or senna; ask our pharmacist6–12 hours
SuppositoryWorks directly in the rectumGlycerine suppositories; ask our pharmacist15–30 minutes

How to take ispaghol correctly

Stir the dose into a full glass of water (or milk) and drink it straight away, before it thickens. Follow with another glass of water. Don’t take it just before bed or lying down, and keep it 2 hours apart from other medicines. Without enough water, ispaghol can cause blockage.

Lactulose tips

Lactulose (Duphalac, Lilac) is sweet-tasting and can cause wind and bloating at first. It’s commonly used for children and in pregnancy on a doctor’s advice. Adjust the dose so stools are soft but not watery.

Constipation in pregnancy

Hormones and iron tablets often cause constipation in pregnancy. Start with fibre, water and walking. Ispaghol and lactulose are generally considered suitable. Check with your doctor before using stimulant laxatives.

Constipation in children

Common causes include not enough fluids or fibre, too much milk, and holding in stools because passing them hurts. Offer water, fruit and vegetables, and set a relaxed toilet time after meals. Don’t give adult laxatives to children. A doctor can recommend a child-safe laxative and dose, often lactulose or macrogol, and treatment may need to continue for some weeks.

What to avoid

  • Using stimulant laxatives every day for weeks without advice
  • Adding lots of bran or ispaghol without drinking more water
  • Strong herbal “cleanse” products of unknown content
  • Straining hard for long periods, which can cause piles and fissures

Ordering from Divine Medicines in Lahore

  • Most orders within Lahore arrive in 3 to 4 hours.
  • Pay by cash on delivery, bank transfer, Easypaisa or JazzCash.
  • Prescription medicines are only supplied against a valid prescription.
  • When your order arrives, check the name, strength, batch number and expiry date on the pack.

Questions before you buy? Message our pharmacist on WhatsApp, or read How to Buy Medicines Online in Lahore Safely.

When to see a doctor

  • Blood in your stools, or black, tarry stools
  • Unexplained weight loss, or constant tiredness
  • A change in bowel habit lasting more than 6 weeks, especially if you’re over 50
  • Urgently if you have severe tummy pain, a swollen tummy, vomiting, or can’t pass stools or wind
  • Constipation that doesn’t improve with treatment, or a child who is constipated for more than 2 weeks

Roman Urdu mein khulasa

Qabz ke ghar ke behtareen ilaaj mein fibre wali ghiza (phal, sabziyan, chokar wala atta, daal), zyada pani, roz walk aur hajat ko na rokna shamil hain. Agar is se farq na pare to pehle ispaghol lein, poore glass pani ke saath. Phir bhi sakht pakhana ho to lactulose (Duphalac, Lilac) madadgar hai. Tez julab roz istemal na karein. Pakhane mein khoon, wazan kam hona, ya 6 hafte se zyada aadat mein tabdeeli ho to doctor ko zaroor dikhayen.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to relieve constipation?

A glycerine suppository or a stimulant laxative works within hours, but these are for occasional use. For lasting relief, combine fibre, water and activity with ispaghol or lactulose.

Which is the best medicine for constipation?

Ispaghol (psyllium husk) is usually the first choice. If stools stay hard, lactulose (Duphalac or Lilac) is a gentle next step. Stimulant laxatives are for short-term use.

Is ispaghol safe to take daily?

Yes, for most adults, as long as you drink plenty of water with it. Keep it 2 hours apart from other medicines.

Can iron tablets cause constipation?

Yes, constipation is a common side effect of iron. More fibre and water, or switching the type of iron on your doctor’s advice, can help.

Is lactulose safe in pregnancy?

Lactulose is commonly used in pregnancy. Check the dose with your doctor.

How many times a day should I pass stools?

Anywhere from 3 times a day to 3 times a week can be normal. Constipation is about hard, difficult stools or going less often than usual for you.

Related guides

This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the pack leaflet and follow the dose on the label or prescription.

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