Authors' objectives:

This bulletin aims to summarise the available evidence on the effectiveness of the different types of laxatives available for use in adults.

Authors' recommendations: Laxative treatments are associated with increases in bowel movement frequency and improvements in the symptoms of constipation. Bulk (fibre-based) laxatives and osmotic laxatives are associated with increases in frequency, and improvements in stool consistency and symptoms. Little evidence is available as to the comparative effectiveness of bulk and non-bulk laxatives in the treatment of constipation. There is no good evidence that laxatives prevent constipation in older patients treatment of constipation in adults. A stepped approach to laxative treatment would seem justified, involving initial treatment with cheaper laxatives, before proceeding to the more expensive alternatives. There is a need for large comparative trials of different strategies for the management of constipation in adults including comparisons of the effectiveness of different classes of laxatives.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/ehcb.htm

Year Published: 2001

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: University of York

Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,

Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk

Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk

Copyright: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination