Centre stage for laxatives
September 22, 2011
THE Gut Foundation is calling for
laxatives to feature more
prominently in the management of
chronic idiopathic constipation in
Australia.
The call comes on the back of a
recent systematic review and
meta-analysis titled ‘Effect of
laxatives and pharmacological
therapies in chronic idiopathic
constipation’ which looked at 21
random controlled trials, seven of
which focused on investigations
with laxatives- which together
involved 1,411 patients.
The study concluded that
laxatives (bisacodyl, sodium
picosulfate and polyethyline glycol)
were significantly more effective
than placebo for treating chronic
constipation.
“Laxatives are often overlooked
by healthcare professionals in
favour of increased fibre,” said Gut
Foundation President Professor
Terry Bolin.
“I think this meta-analysis should
act as a trigger for healthcare
professionals to review the advice
they provide to patients and
customers about the role of
laxatives in chronic constipation
management,” he added.
To get the ball rolling, The Gut
Foundation has offered to send its
guidelines for chronic constipation
management to any interested
healthcare professional.
For your copy, call The Gut
Foundation on 02 9382 2749.
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