Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
07:06
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Review article: the therapy of constipation.
1Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75246, USA. LRSMD@aol.com
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|May 31, 2001
Summary
Constipation, a common condition, can be treated with laxatives that add bulk, retain water, or stimulate the bowels. New drugs targeting gut motility and other therapies like biofeedback and surgery are also available.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Constipation is a prevalent symptom with diverse etiologies, ranging from idiopathic cases to identifiable diseases.
- Current treatments include laxatives, which function by adding bulk, osmotic water retention, or stimulating intestinal secretion/motility.
- Other therapeutic options such as biofeedback and surgical interventions are also employed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of action and applications of various constipation treatments.
- To highlight emerging therapeutic strategies for managing constipation.
- To discuss the role of laxatives and lavage solutions in bowel preparation and evacuation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on constipation and its treatments.
- Analysis of pharmacological mechanisms of laxatives and novel drug development.
- Examination of non-pharmacological interventions like biofeedback and surgery.
Main Results:
- Laxatives are categorized by their effects: bulking agents, osmotic agents, and stimulants.
- Novel pharmacologic agents targeting gastrointestinal motility are under investigation.
- Biofeedback and surgery represent alternative or adjunctive treatment modalities.
Conclusions:
- A range of therapeutic options exist for constipation, with ongoing development in pharmacologic interventions.
- Laxatives remain a cornerstone treatment, with specific agents chosen based on mechanism and patient needs.
- Comprehensive management may involve a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.