Comparison of the effectiveness of polyethylene glycol 4000 without electrolytes and magnesium hydroxide in the treatment of chronic functional constipation in children.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of two drugs, polyethylene glycol 4000 without electrolytes and magnesium hydroxide, in the treatment of chronic functional constipation in children.


METHODS
Thirty-eight children were randomly assigned to either of two groups, polyethylene glycol 4000 without electrolytes or magnesium hydroxide. The children were followed through periodic appointments until they reached 6 months of treatment. In each medical appointment the following aspects were evaluated: stool consistency, frequency of bowel movements, fecal incontinence, abdominal pain, straining and acceptance of the drugs.


RESULTS
Seventeen children made use of polyethylene glycol and twenty-one received magnesium hydroxide. All variables analyzed improved for both groups, with no statistically significant differences. All children accepted polyethylene glycol, while 42.9% refused magnesium hydroxide.


CONCLUSIONS
The two laxatives showed no difference in effectiveness for the treatment of constipation. However, due to its better acceptance, because it is odorless and tasteless, polyethylene glycol proved to be a better option for treating chronic functional constipation.
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Patricia Boechat
PB
Gomes
Marco Antônio
MA
Duarte
Maria do Carmo Barros de
Mdo C
Melo
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054368:Laxatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D054368:Laxatives; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide