Pharmacological treatment of chronic constipation: focused on oral laxatives
10.5124/jkma.2018.61.1.57
- Author:
Jeong Eun SHIN
1
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. dreun@dankook.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Constipation;
Laxatives;
Therapeutics
- MeSH:
Appointments and Schedules;
Constipation;
Gastrointestinal Diseases;
Laxatives;
Life Style;
Quality of Life
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2018;61(1):57-61
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Chronic constipation is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that may have a significant impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. If dietary and lifestyle modifications are not successful, pharmacological interventions should be used to manage chronic constipation. The first-line conventional laxatives include bulk-forming, osmotic, and stimulant laxatives. If chronic constipation is refractory to conventional laxatives, prucalopride should be considered. The choice of a laxative should be made based on a consideration of the treatment duration, dosing schedule, type of agent, effects, and side effects of the agent, as well as cost-effectiveness. An individualized approach is needed according to the patient's underlying disease and clinical condition.
