Effect of laxatives and pharmacological therapies in chronic idiopathic constipation

Effect of laxatives and pharmacological therapies in chronic idiopathic constipation

Article Type: Reviews of effectiveness From: Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Volume 17, Issue 1

Ford, A.C. and Suares, N.C.,Effect of laxatives and pharmacological therapies in chronic idiopathic constipation: systematic review and meta-analysis,Gut,2011,Vol. 60 No. 2 pp. 209-18

The review found that laxatives, prucalopride, lubiprostone and linaclotide were all more effective than placebo for short-term treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation, but were associated with a greater frequency of diarrhoea. The authors’ appropriate conclusions reflect the evidence base and are likely to be reliable.