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Related Experiment Videos

Constipation--modern laxative therapy.

E Klaschik1, F Nauck, C Ostgathe

  • 1Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Pain Therapy and Palliative Medicine, Malteser Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. anaesthesie.bonn@malteser.de

Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
|September 25, 2003
PubMed
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Constipation affects one-third of Western adults. Macrogol is the preferred laxative for palliative care patients with chronic constipation due to its effectiveness and good tolerance, when fluid intake is adequate.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Palliative Care Medicine

Background:

  • Constipation is a prevalent condition, affecting up to one-third of the population in Western countries.
  • Causes include functional, somatopathic, and medication-induced factors, such as opioid-induced constipation.
  • Chronic functional constipation is common in palliative care patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the management of constipation, particularly in palliative care.
  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different laxative classes.
  • To establish a preferred treatment approach for chronic constipation in palliative care.

Main Methods:

  • Review of laxative classifications based on mechanism of action.
  • Comparison of osmotic laxatives, including lactulose and macrogols.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Consideration of lubricating agents in the context of palliative care.

    • Main Results:

    • Bulk-forming laxatives are not suitable for palliative care patients due to fluid intake limitations.
    • Macrogol is favored over lactulose due to fewer side effects (e.g., flatulence, bloating).
    • Macrogol hydrates stools, increases volume, reduces transit time, and stimulates defecation, with sustained effectiveness.

    Conclusions:

    • Macrogol is the first-choice laxative for chronic constipation in palliative care patients capable of adequate fluid intake.
    • Lubricating agents remain important for prophylactic and therapeutic use in palliative care.
    • A laxative ladder approach is recommended for managing constipation in palliative care settings.