Clinical subgroups of chronic constipation: exploring the potential of polyethylene glycol.
This brief review has explored the rationale for therapy of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solutions in subgroups of patients with chronic constipation. There appears to be a good rationale for their use in patients with colonic inertia or those with extrinsic denervation. However, first-line therapies such as dietary fibre and bulking agents should be tried initially prior to resorting to osmotic agents such as polyethylene glycol electrolyte solutions.
Camilleri
M
M
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. camilleri.michael@mayo.edu
D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D006801:Humans; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002400:Cathartics; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols