Therapeutic Effects of Agio(R) 18 g per Day in Patients with Constipation Dominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Constipation

Eum, Junbum; Rhee, Kyoung Hoon; Cho, Yun Kyung; Byeon, Jeong Sik; Myung, Seung Jae; Jung, Hwoon Yong; Kim, Jin Ho; Kim, Soo Jeung; Kim, Ji Eun; Son, Hee Jung; Rhee, Poong Lyul; Rhee, Jong Chul

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Agio(R) is one of the bulk-forming laxatives, composed of Plantago seed and Ispaghula husk. This study was designed to evaluate the effects and safety of Agio(R) 18 g per day in patients with chronic constipation.
METHODS
We enrolled 24 patients with constipation-dominant irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation diagnosed by Rome II criteria. Agio(R) 18 g per day was administered to these patients for 21 days. We compared the symptoms related to constipation before and after Agio(R) administration. We also compared colon transit time before and after Agio(R) administration. Adverse events related to Agio(R) administration were investigated.
RESULTS
Symptom changes before and after Agio(R) administration were as follows: 1) frequency of bowel movement (2.3 vs. 1.7, p<0.05), 2) straining during defecation (6.9 vs. 4.6, p<0.001), 3) stool forms and consistency by Bristol stool scale (2.1 vs. 3.0, p<0.05), 4) sensation of incomplete evacuation (5.9 vs. 4.3, p<0.001), 5) sensation of anorectal obstruction or blockage (7.1 vs. 4.7, p<0.05), 6) abdominal discomfort (6.5 vs. 4.8, p<0.001) and 7) satisfaction of defecation (2.3 vs. 4.1, p<0.05). Total colon transit time was 46.4+/-18.3 hours before Agio(R) administration while 37.9+/-16.7 hours after Agio(R) administration (p=0.020). No significant adverse events related to Agio(R) administration occurred.
CONCLUSIONS
Agio(R) 18 g per day for 21 days seems to be effective and safe in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation.