J Korean Med Assoc.
2018 Jan;61(1):57-61. 10.5124/jkma.2018.61.1.57.
Pharmacological treatment of chronic constipation: focused on oral laxatives
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. dreun@dankook.ac.kr
- KMID: 2405137
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2018.61.1.57
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.
