Medical Management of Constipation

Meredith Portalatin; Nathaniel Winstead

doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754

Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, Table of Contents

Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2012; 25(01): 012-019
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1301754

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Medical Management of Constipation

Meredith Portalatin

¹Department of Gastroenterology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana.

,

Nathaniel Winstead

¹Department of Gastroenterology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana.

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Constipation is a common clinical problem. Initial management of chronic constipation should include lifestyle maneuvers, and increased fiber and fluids. Polyethylene glycol, sodium picosulfate, bisacodyl, prucalopride, lubiprostone, and linaclotide were all more effective than placebo for treating chronic idiopathic constipation. Many commonly used agents lack quality evidence supporting their use.

Keywords

constipation - laxatives - fiber - osmotic agents - polyethylene glycol - 5-ht4 agonists

Full Text

References

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