Constipation is a condition that is difficult to define but, generally, true constipation is characterised by the unsatisfactory passage of hard, dry stools less frequently than the person’s normal pattern. It may be uncomfortable and there is a sense that the passage of stools is incomplete. 

It is important to find out what the patient means by constipation and to establish what (if any) change in bowel habit has occurred and over what period of time. 

Many people believe that a daily bowel movement is necessary for good health, and laxatives are often taken and overused as a result. This may be a cultural belief and is particularly common in older people. In fact, the normal range may vary from three movements in a day to three in a week.

An important health education role for pharmacists is to reassure patients that their frequency of bowel movement is normal. Patients who are truly constipated will usually complain of hard stools that are difficult to pass, may be uncomfortable to pass, and are less frequent than usual.